Lokayukta registers case over large-scale government land scam in Nagamangala taluk

The Karnataka Lokayukta Police have registered a criminal case alleging large-scale manipulation of government land records and illegal grant of public land in Nagamangala taluk, Mandya district, causing an estimated loss of around ₹200 crore to the State exchequer.

The accused include serving and former government officials and private individuals. A criminal case has been registered against 11 persons in connection with the scam, and five government officials have been arrested.

Based on public complaints, Lokayukta Justice B. Veerappa, on January 12, took suo motu cognisance and registered a complaint . Acting on the directions, the Lokayukta Police conducted search operations between January 13 and 14, starting at 4.30 am, across seven locations in Mandya, Mysuru, Chamarajanagar and Maddur.

Allegations

The accused allegedly fabricated and tampered with official land records, including forged grant orders, false notices and government approvals, manipulated RTCs and survey documents. The documents were allegedly used to illegally grant government gomala and revenue lands by showing new beneficiaries in place of original owners, thereby enabling unlawful gain.

Seizures

During searches at residences, offices and vehicles, Lokayukta Police seized original and fake land records, forged saguvali chits, government notices and grant files and multiple fabricated approvals related to land grants.

A search of the house and car of Village Assistant Yogesh allegedly led to the recovery of original revenue records and several forged documents linked to Nagamangala taluk.

Investigations revealed manipulation of survey numbers 123, 124, 51, 65, 35, among others, across villages including Devalapura, Bellur, Chikkadalakoppalu, Doddagadalakoppalu, Malleshandra, Dondemadahalli, Kachenahalli, Hanchipura and Guddebhovanahalli.

Around 320 acres of government land, valued at approximately ₹200 crore, was allegedly illegally granted using forged documents. In several cases, individuals were granted land far in excess of the permissible limit of 4 acres 38 guntas per family.