• Rs. 3.95 crore misappropriation alleged in ‘golf hut’ project
• Seven-member probe committee to submit report  by March 31

Mysore/Mysuru: Ruckus prevailed at the Special Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) of Jayachamaraja Wadiyar Golf Club (JWGC) held yesterday, as members raised serious allegations over the construction of a ‘golf hut,’ claiming that over Rs. 3.93 crore had been misappropriated in the name of the project.

Sources told Star of Mysore this morning that several members questioned the actions of previous office-bearers, alleging financial irregularities, excess billing and violations of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and tender norms in works and machinery purchases worth crores of rupees.

According to members, the General Body had earlier approved the conversion of the ‘golf hut’ into a ‘golf pavilion’, with a clear condition that the project cost should not exceed Rs. 50 lakh. However, they alleged that the budget was later escalated to Rs. 3.95 crore without fresh approval from the                                    General Body.

Members termed the steep escalation in construction costs “massive” and demanded accountability and action against the former office-bearers.

They pointed out that fabrication work alone exceeded Rs. 1 crore, while the overall valuation of completed works stood at around Rs. 2.5 crore, indicating an excess expenditure of nearly Rs. 1.5 crore.

They further alleged that a spraying machine costing over Rs. 1 crore had been purchased but has remained unused for more than a year. “The machine is not suitable for JWGC and has been lying idle,” members said, seeking clarification.

During the AGM, members stated that an internal audit report had already flagged irregularities, observing that certain expenditures were sanctioned without proper authorisation.

Sources said attempts to pass the accounts were stalled amid objections and the AGM resolved to initiate a formal enquiry. A seven-member enquiry committee has been constituted and is expected to submit its report by March 31, 2026.

If the allegations of misappropriation are substantiated, action will be taken against the former JWGC office-bearers who approved the expenditure, sources added. While some office-bearers had reportedly expressed dissent earlier, the project was nevertheless carried forward.

MCC had ordered demolition of ‘golf hut’; matter in Court

The same ‘golf hut’ or ‘golf pavilion’ project at Jayachamaraja Wadiyar Golf Club (JWGC), functioning under the Mysore Race Club (MRC), had earlier been flagged as unauthorised by the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC).

The MCC had directed that the structure be demolished without delay. MCC Zone-1 Commissioner had issued a notice on Jan. 31 to the Golf Club’s Honorary Secretary, instructing that the building be removed immediately upon receipt of the notice and that a compliance report be submitted to the MCC.

The notice warned that failure to act would prompt the MCC to demolish the structure, recover the demolition expenses from the owners and initiate legal proceedings in accordance with the law.

The property is located on Lalitha Mahal Road in Mysuru, under survey numbers 1290 N-267/1 and N-14, within the jurisdiction of the Mysore Race Club.

Earlier, the MCC had issued notices on Feb. 28, 2025 and May 22, 2025, to the administrators of the MRC over the alleged unauthorised works. However, the notices were challenged before the Karnataka High Court, which directed that action be initiated only after giving an opportunity of hearing to all parties.

Speaking to Star of Mysore this morning, MCC Commissioner Shaikh Tanveer Asif said the JWGC has approached the High Court and the matter is currently in the hearing stage. “We are awaiting the Court’s decision,” he said.

Attempts by SOM to contact MRC Chairman K.T. Balakrishna and Secretary NHS Mani for their response on the issue were unsuccessful as they were out of station.