Dharwad
A team of Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials on Friday visited the KIADB office in Lakamanahalli to investigate a case involving KIADB officials accused of double payment through fake documents. The team, arriving from Bangalore, examined office documents and questioned the officials.
The Central Investigation Department (CID) had previously looked into allegations that compensation money was fraudulently paid twice for land acquisitions using false documents. The investigation revealed that Rs 30 crore had been transferred to various accounts by VD Sajjan, a former Special Land Acquisition Officer, on his last day before retirement. Sajjan was also listed as an accused in the CID's charge sheet for the money transfers.
There have been complaints about the CID investigation's thoroughness, with allegations of significant oversight. The Enforcement Directorate has now taken over the case as part of its ongoing probe.
Basavaraja Koravara, who initially reported the KIADB scandals, provided documents to senior officials and the Chief Minister detailing a Rs 60 crore scam, including Rs 40 crore in the second stage. The CID's investigation only identified Rs 19.5 crore in discrepancies. The start of the ED's investigation has been welcomed, but concerns remain about the seriousness with which the government is addressing the issue.