Siddarth Sethia
The Karnataka Lokayukta has registered a suo motu case against 11 government officials,including senior officials of HESCOM and KPTCL,over alleged negligence that led to a fire destroying crops and agricultural assets worth an estimated Rs 40–50 lakh in Hallur village of Muddebihal taluk in Vijayapura district.
The fire,which occurred on October 26,was allegedly triggered by an electrical short circuit involving low-hanging high-tension wires and poorly maintained transformer centres. 
Taking serious note of the incident and the losses suffered by small farmers,Lokayukta Justice B.S.Patil ordered an investigation based on a preliminary spot inspection report submitted by the Lokayukta Superintendent of Police.
According to the report,crops spread across nearly 20 acres and eight guntas were completely gutted.
Among the affected farmers,Mahadevi and Kashinath Angadi suffered losses involving 400 tonnes of sugarcane worth around Rs 11 lakh,40 coconut trees,35 lemon trees and 35 sprinkler pipelines.
Their annual income from the coconut and lemon trees was estimated at Rs.1 lakh to Rs 1.5 lakh and Rs 8.5 lakh,respectively.
Another farmer,Devendra Ganganna Biradar,lost 160 tonnes of sugarcane worth around Rs 5 lakh,besides coconut and lemon trees and an onion storage shed.
Shantagouda Hanumantray Meti lost around 500 tonnes of sugarcane valued at Rs 16 lakh,along with coconut trees and 120 sprinkler pipes.
The Lokayukta observed that HESCOM and KPTCL officials had allegedly failed to maintain electrical lines and ensure compliance with safety norms.
Farmers had reportedly submitted written complaints about the dangerous condition of the electrical infrastructure,but no preventive action was taken.
The order also pointed out the alleged inaction of the Muddebihal Tahsildar and the Taluk Agriculture Officer, who reportedly failed to visit the affected area,assess the damage or arrange interim compensation,despite a police case having been registered.
The Lokayukta has treated the alleged lapses as maladministration under Section 2(10) of the Karnataka Lokayukta Act,1984.
Eleven officials,including the Vijayapura Deputy Commissioner and senior officials of HESCOM and KPTCL,have been made respondents in the case and notices will be issued to them.
The Deputy Commissioner,Tahsildar and Taluk Agriculture Officer have been directed to conduct a joint inspection,submit a comprehensive assessment of the crop losses and prepare an action plan for providing immediate interim compensation to the affected farmers.
The electricity department officials have also been directed to explain why works sanctioned during 2024–25 were not completed and submit technical safety inspection reports detailing the measures taken to rectify the low-hanging electrical wires.
The next hearing in the case has been scheduled for November 30, 2026.
