Pramesh S Jain
The Karnataka Lokayukta has ordered a detailed investigation into alleged large-scale irregularities in the Kolar and Malur Tahsildar offices and the offices of the Assistant Director of Land Records (ADLR),after the seizure of hundreds of government land records from a private farm house suspected to have been used for fraudulent land transactions.
Acting on a report submitted by the Kolar Lokayukta Superintendent of Police,the Lokayukta registered a suo motu case and authorised searches at six government offices and several private premises.
During the searches,investigators seized 435 documents,including 128 original government records, such as grant registers,patta books,khata registers, phodi records and other land revenue documents.
Officials suspect that the original records had been illegally removed from government offices and stored at a private farmhouse to facilitate the creation of forged land records.
According to the inquiry,forged records were allegedly prepared in connection with government land measuring around 485 acres,resulting in an estimated loss of Rs.768 crore to the state exchequer.
The seized records have been handed over to investigating officers for detailed scrutiny.Since the examination requires specialised knowledge of revenue administration,a team of experienced revenue officials has been constituted to assist the investigation.
The Lokayukta also directed the Deputy Commissioner, Tahsildars and ADLR officials of Kolar district to appear before the authority and furnish information regarding the missing original records and identify officials responsible for the alleged irregularities.
However,the order notes that the district administration has not yet submitted the required report.
Observing the seriousness of the allegations,the Lokayukta said the disappearance of original government land records from official custody and their recovery from a private location indicated serious administrative lapses and possible criminal misconduct.
It stressed the need to fix accountability on the officials involved and ensure the protection of government land records.
The Lokayukta has scheduled the next hearing in the matter on August 21,2026,at 3.30 pm, in the presence of senior officials from the Revenue Department.
