Has Karnataka HC Issued an Interim Stay on SIT Investigation into Land-Grabbing Allegations Against Union Minister Kumaraswamy?

Bengaluru, June 19 (NationPress) The Karnataka government has issued an interim stay on the investigation led by the Special Task Force (STF) concerning land encroachment allegations against Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy.

A bench presided over by Justice E.S. Indiresh delivered the ruling while considering a petition from Kumaraswamy, who challenged the formation of the SIT.

In his appeal, Kumaraswamy argued that the establishment of the SIT was unlawful due to the absence of an official government notification. He requested the court to nullify all actions undertaken by the SIT related to the investigation.

Senior advocates Uday Holla and N.V. Nishanth represented the Union Minister during the proceedings.

The SIT was formed by the Karnataka government in January to probe the alleged land encroachment in Ketaganahalli village, located near Bidadi, which is close to Bengaluru.

The Tehsiladar has issued orders to vacate the six acres in question. The government appointed senior IAS officer Amlan Aditya Biswas to lead the SIT.

The case involves accusations of encroaching on 14.04 acres of government land across survey numbers 8, 9, 10, 16, and 79 in Ketaganahalli village.

The SIT comprises members from the Survey, Settlement and Land Records Joint Director, Additional Bengaluru Regional Commissioner, and Tahsildar, with a member secretary from the Tahsildar Grade-2.

Mandated by an order dated January 28, the SIT is required to complete its investigation within three months.

The government tasked the SIT with verifying the authenticity of documents linked to survey numbers 8, 9, 10, 16, and 79 in Ketaganahalli and to initiate actions to remove the encroachment.

Kumaraswamy has denied the allegations, claiming that the Karnataka government, led by the Congress, is attempting to target him regarding the alleged encroachment of about 14 acres of government land.

He asserted that the state government is intentionally conducting a survey of the disputed Ketaganahalli land to implicate him, stating, “I am prepared for any investigation. I possess all the necessary documents to prove that the land is rightfully mine.”

He further asserted, “I acquired the Ketaganahalli land 40 years ago. It has been surveyed more than 10 times, and I have been cleared of all allegations. I welcome any investigation, but certain local Congress leaders are attempting to turn this into a political issue.”

“There should be no doubt—I am being targeted. How long will this investigation continue?” he questioned.

Regarding the ongoing probe, Kumaraswamy mentioned, “The investigation into my property has concluded. Let them present the report—I am not afraid. They are making an issue out of land I purchased four decades ago.”

“I am aware of the series of meetings held by CM Siddaramaiah concerning this issue, and I know who participated. Initially, it was a police-led SIT, but now it comprises IAS officers. I have nothing to conceal and welcome any investigation. Unlike CM Siddaramaiah, I have never unlawfully obtained government land through forged documents. He is in power and can do anything,” Kumaraswamy claimed.

The Karnataka government has insisted that the investigation into the alleged encroachment is being conducted under the directives of the High Court.