Bengaluru: The Congress government led by CM Siddaramaiah, which came to power campaigning against corruption with the slogan ‘Pay CM, Say CM’, is now facing a challenge with the ‘Handigund Case’. The Citizen Rights Foundation, which is fighting a nationwide legal battle against corruption, has highlighted the shortcomings of the Siddaramaiah government in the corruption allegations against KAS officer Balappa Handigund. A complaint has been filed with the Governor seeking an investigation into the KIADB scam.
Serious allegations have emerged against KAS officer Balappa Handigund, currently a special land acquisition officer at KIADB, for illegally acquiring land around Devanahalli near Bengaluru and irregularities in compensation distribution. Citizen Rights Foundation President K.A. Paul filed a complaint with the Chief Minister on September 12, requesting a high-level investigation under court supervision. Additionally, a complaint was filed with the Lokayukta on October 10 seeking an investigation into these corruption allegations.
With no response from the state government or the Lokayukta, K.A. Paul has submitted a complaint to the Enforcement Directorate, which has started examining the case.
However, K.A. Paul accused CM Siddaramaiah and the Industries Minister of shielding Balappa Handigund, and on Saturday (01/11/2025), he submitted a complaint to the Governor of Karnataka seeking directions for an investigation into the allegations against Handigund.
Despite facing several corruption cases, Balappa Handigund, a powerful officer, continues in his position at KIADB, raising concerns about the potential destruction of evidence related to the scandals. K.A. Paul has highlighted this issue in his complaint to the Governor.
Bringing Serious Allegations to the Governor’s Attention:
- During KIADB land acquisition in Chapparadahalli village, Kundana Hobli, Devanahalli Taluk, Bangalore Rural District, there are allegations of payments made to ineligible individuals.
- Allegations of government land being illegally compensated by identifying it under farmers’ names.
- The objectionable decision has caused a loss of crores of rupees to the government.
- Suspicion of involvement of current and former KIADB land acquisition officers and other officials in the scam.
- Despite several complaints, the controversial special land acquisition officer Balappa Handigund continues in the same position due to pressure from the Industries Minister on the CM.
- Demand for investigation under court supervision due to government protection for those facing corruption allegations.
