Daijiworld Media Network - Hassan (SP)

Hassan, Sep 18: Former minister and Congress leader, A Manju, has accused Deve Gowda's family of illegally usurping 54.29 acres of land in Gowripura Somanahalli Kaval village in this taluk by creating fake documents. He also placed before the mediapersons documentary proof in support of his charge.

Addressing a press conference here on Monday September 17, Manju said that as per records, 54.29 acres of land in Gowripura has been mentioned as wasteland. "As per rule, wasteland can be converted and sanctioned to farmers as per the government order by the deputy commissioner of the district alone. He pointed that in the year 1978-79, ownership of this land was illegally mentioned in government records in the name of Sanne Gowda. Later, this land was got registered by the influential politician in the name of his family members," he explained.

Manju stated that on March 14 this year, he had requested the tahsildar of the taluk for records pertaining to the land in question but on the same day, he gave evasive reply by claiming that the records were not available in his office. Claiming that this shows about the irregularities in the dealings, he said he is now waiting for the deputy commissioner here, who has earned a name for being an efficient officer, to act. He said he will soon complain to the deputy commissioner. He warned that if action is not initiated within two to three weeks, he will pursue the case in his own way.

The former minister, who was defeated in the recent assembly election, said that an entry was made in the records saying that the land was sanctioned to Sanne Gowda in 1952. Later, names of Giriyappa and Krishna Gowda were added though someone's handwriting. A fake MR number was generated, seven persons were illegally added, and in 2015-17, the land was registered in the name of Prajwal Revanna and mother-in-law of Deve Gowda, Kalamma. After Kalamma died, the land was transferred in the name of Prajwal Revanna by way of a will, he explained.

He demanded action against those who created records including seven beneficiaries and also the then tahsildar and other officials. "I am not making allegations matter-of-factly. I am providing all the documents. The efficient deputy commissioner of this district should save the government land by initiating action against the guilty," he demanded. He also accused the 'influential politician' of getting unauthorized survey at Yadiyur, Nidudi, Doddakondagula etc with the tacit purpose of acquiring land there through the housing board and then create sites there. He said that these politicians have been keeping farmers in the dark about their plans. He stated that for the purpose of getting connecting road to his illegal land, Revanna is trying to acquire land through the housing board. He said he will not keep quiet if farmers are cheated.