BENGALURU: Karnataka Chief Secretary Arvind Jadhav has reiterated that they no longer own land in Devanahalli.
Refuting reports that his mother continues to own land in Devanahalli and that authorities recently cleared a proposal to develop layout on that land, Jadhav told Express, “The property was sold way back in 1999. We have nothing to do with it as the developers to whom it was sold are in full possession for more than 15 years.”
As to why the land records do not reflect the sale, he said, “There is something wrong in the entire thing. We do not have anything to do with developers after the sale.”
Suggesting that there may have been some manipulation, the officer said, normally the buyer and the department should have incorporated the changes. Other wise they will be not be able to carry out their activities.
Jadhav has clarified that his mother acquired lands near Anekal after selling her land at Devanahalli. She purchased the land in her individual capacity and that he had nothing to do with that. During that time (2002) he was on central deputation and not posted in the state, he added.
Anti-Corruption Bureau, that has registered a case based on a complaint filed by a RTI activist Bhaskaran, is said to be looking into the case. Sources said, while the probe may throw light on the manipulation or attempt to manipulate records, Jadhav has a lot of explaining to do as the state government, especially CM, has taken note of it. Differences within the bureaucracy may be a factor that is playing a role in the controversy.