Farmers allege corruption in KIADB land acquisition

Citizens Rights Foundation urges authorities to investigate compensation irregularities, but no action is taken

Disappointed by the rampant corruption and irregularities in the distribution of compensation to farmers who gave up their lands for industrial development, the Citizens Rights Foundation has appealed to authorities, including the Prime Minister and Enforcement Directorate, for a thorough investigation into Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) Land Acquisition Officer-2, Balappa Handigund.

There are numerous allegations and complaints from farmers who provided land for industrial layouts around Doddaballapur. Due to these complaints and irregularities in compensation, the government ordered a departmental inquiry against Balappa Handigund. He petitioned the Karnataka State Administrative Tribunal (KSAT) to prevent disciplinary proceedings, but the KSAT dismissed his petition on December 5, 2023, stating that he had no locus standi to challenge it.

Prior to this, Geetha G of Ambedkar Colony, Hesaraghatta, lodged a complaint with Halasuru Gate Police against Balappa Handigund for giving compensation worth Rs 84 lakh to the wrong person instead of the landowner. Halasuru Gate Police have registered a first information report (FIR) against Balappa Handigund on March 2, 2023, under Sections 419, 420, 409, 120B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860, and under Section 3(IV) of SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. “The case is pending in the court,’’ said Ramu, the son of Geetha.

The Citizen Rights Foundation, in a letter dated November 6, has appealed to the Prime Minister to direct the Enforcement Directorate to take suitable action on the complaints lodged by it against KIADB Land Acquisition Officer-2 Balappa Handigund. “We complained to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Minister for Large and Medium Industries MB Patil and the Chief Secretary against Balappa Handigund on September 12 but the Minister for Large and Medium Industries wrote a letter to the Chief Minister stating that Balappa Handigund is an efficient officer and has been working hard. He wants him to continue in the same position to complete the land acquisition process and hand over the land to Foxconn Company and Knowledge Health Innovation and Research. The minister appealed to the Chief Minister to allow Balappa Handigund to continue in the same office in the public interest,’’ said KA Paul, Chairman of Citizen Rights Foundation.

We approached the Prime minister and Enforcement Directorate seeking suitable action against the officer who indulged in corruption–KA Paul, Citizen Rights Foundation

Paul said, “We approached Karnataka Lokayukta to direct the government but in vain. Finally, we approached the Prime Minister and Enforcement Directorate seeking suitable action against the officer who indulged in corruption,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, farmers who gave away their land to the KIADB want the state government to transfer Balappa Handigund who is known for corruption and irregularities. “I gave four acres of land to the KIADB and I am waiting for the compensation. I am afraid of approaching Balappa Handigund for compensation because he is a corrupt officer,’’ said Venkate Gowda, a farmer.