BANGALORE: The state government is under pressure to resolve the row over Mysore Palace and other properties of the royal family after it filed a complaint with the Lokayukta police alleging land grabbing.
Royal family scion Srikantadatta Srikanatadatta Narashimraja Wadiyar’s widow Pramoda Devi had said in her complaint to the anti-corruption watchdog that the family’s properties were grabbed with fake documents.
The government is awaiting recommendations of a fact-finding committee constituted by it. The Lokayukta police are also investigating the cases.
Pramoda Devi has also observed that there has been apprehension and uncertainty over Mysore Palace after the enactment of the “unfair” Mysore Palace Acquisition Act of 1998. Prior to the enactment of this special legislation, the Supreme Court had passed an order directing the state government to handover the possession of the portion of the palace taken over by the state government for maintenance and management.
She had also said that the government, instead of complying with the Supreme Court order, proposed to take over the palace property through a special legislation.
This is in spite of guarantee given by the central government in concurrence with the state government, confirming full ownership, use of all private properties (as distinct from state properties) belonging to the Maharaja of Mysore at the time of signing an agreement in 1950, she said.
“The government is yet to come forward with a proposal to resolve this issue contrary to the impression given in recent times”, she said.
Pramoda Devi has also lodged five complaints with Lokayukta alleging creation of fake documents to grab the family’s property at Kurubarahalli. Subsequently, a sub registrar was suspended and other accused officials were absconding.
The Government appointed a fact-finding committee headed by retired Revenue Secretary Narayanappa to look into records and lapses.
In Charge Deputy Commissioner Palaiah said the accused are arrested and investigation is on and the law will take its own course.
Meanwhile, Revenue Minister V Srinivasa Prasad said that the government will take legal action against those involved in registration of land at Kurubarahalli by creating fake documents.
When contacted, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the government will look into the plea made by the royal family.
“I am confident that the royal family will extend all support to continue world famous Dasara festivities”, he added.