MUDA 50:50 sites scam: Ex-Corporator accused of forging documents

BJP’s M.C. Ramesh accused of amassing property worth Rs. 12.60 crore for a mere Rs. 37 lakh

Mysuru: Even as investigations into the site allotment scam in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) are under progress from Lokayukta, Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Justice P.N. Desai One-Man Commission, fresh cases of fraudulent allotments continue to surface.

The latest case involves the allotment of sites worth crores of rupees under the 50:50 scheme, without MUDA even acquiring the necessary land. According to MUDA rules, compensatory sites can only be allotted to landowners under the 50:50 ratio if the land has been acquired for layout formation without formal land acquisition procedures.

However, in this instance, sites were allotted to individuals who did not own any land. Former Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) Corporator M.C. Ramesh of the BJP has been accused of forging documents to obtain sites under the 50:50 scheme.

These allegations were made during a press conference at Patrakarthara Bhavan by Advocate Ravi Kumar and former MUDA employee P.S. Nataraj.

“Former Corporator M.C. Ramesh has committed blatant irregularities, illegally obtaining sites under the 50:50 scheme,” Ravi Kumar alleged. He stated that the first Income Tax (IT) case has been registered against Ramesh, who allegedly engaged in black money transactions and evaded TDS, Income Tax and stamp duty payments.

 In 1994, MUDA ordered the acquisition of 1.2 acres of land in Survey Number 126/2A of Basavanahalli village, Mysuru taluk, owned by Honnegowda alias Amavasya Gowda, son of Honnegowda.

Sites acquired through GPA

However, the land was never acquired, leaving the ownership intact with Honnegowda. Despite this, MUDA Commissioner G.T. Dinesh Kumar, on May 3, 2023, approved multiple sites in Vijayanagar 4th Stage, 2nd Phase, for Honnegowda.

These included two 60×90 sites, one 30×40 site, and one 20×30 site. Subsequently, Ramesh acquired these sites through a General Power of Attorney (GPA).

Ramesh is accused of leveraging political influence to secure these high-value sites for just Rs. 3,000 per square foot, obtaining property worth Rs. 12.60 crore for a mere Rs. 37 lakh. “This case is unprecedented, as MUDA regulations explicitly prohibit allotments larger than 50×60 or smaller than 20×30 under the 50:50 scheme,” said Ravi Kumar.

He noted the hypocrisy of BJP members who highlight MUDA scams by the Congress party while their leaders are also involved.

Action against Dinesh Kumar, Natesh

Another irregularity was revealed involving former MUDA Commissioner Dr. D.B. Natesh. Allegedly, he approved a 30×40 site as alternative land under the 50:50 scheme by altering survey numbers for a site where a road had been constructed.

Both Dinesh Kumar and Natesh, as MUDA Commissioners, are accused of handing over land worth crores of rupees to the land mafia. Ravikumar demanded their dismissal and imprisonment, asserting that criminal cases should be filed against them.

Nataraj criticised Ramesh’s blatant violation of laws and called for the immediate return of the fraudulently obtained sites. “Ramesh should follow the example of CM Siddaramaiah’s family, who returned their sites,”  he said.