DYFI accuses Mangaluru MLA Vedavyasa Kamath of TDR scam
Mangaluru: On Monday, Muneer Katipalla, the state president of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), leveled allegations against Mangaluru MLA Vedavyasa Kamath, accusing him of involvement in a Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) scam. Katipalla called upon the state government to halt the proceedings and initiate an investigation into the matter.
Katipalla highlighted concerns regarding the TDR process, stating that under normal circumstances, land transactions must involve the direct participation of the legitimate landowner. However, he questioned the Mangaluru Municipality's acquisition of 10.8 acres of land adjacent to the Pachanadi waste dump through an agreement holder named Giridhar Shetty.
Allegations surfaced suggesting that Shetty had entered into an agreement with the actual landowner to purchase the property for a total sum of 7 crores, with an initial advance payment of 1 crore already made. However, Katipalla revealed discrepancies in the TDR land sale agreement, indicating an inflated valuation of 50 crores. This, according to him, implied an intent to invest a nominal amount while unlawfully profiting from a significant margin.
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Katipalla further implicated Mangaluru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) Commissioner Mansoor Ali, alleging that Ali, upon recognizing the technical irregularities in the deal, refused to endorse the agreement and pledged to inform the government. However, purportedly under pressure from MLA Vedavyasa Kamath, Ali was coerced into signing the document. Subsequently, Ali's resistance reportedly triggered an investigation by the Lokayukta against him.
Demanding a comprehensive inquiry into the matter, Katipalla urged the government to probe the alleged malpractice and bring those responsible to justice.
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Minister Parameshwara says remarks on properties linked to drug peddlers 'misunderstood'
Tumakuru (PTI): Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Saturday said his recent remarks on the demolition of properties linked to those involved in narcotics trade were "misunderstood and misinterpreted".
His clarification follows remarks made two days ago on the government's uncompromising crackdown on the drug menace, including action against properties linked to foreign nationals allegedly involved in drug trafficking.
"It is unfortunate. It is taken in the wrong sense. I didn't mean that tomorrow itself I am going to send bulldozers and demolish the houses. That was not my intention. It was wrongly taken," he told reporters here.
Responding to Congress MLC K Abdul Jabbar's question in the legislative council on the growing drug menace in Bengaluru, Davangere and coastal districts, the minister on Thursday detailed the extensive enforcement measures initiated since the Congress government assumed office.
Pointing to the involvement of some foreign nationals, the minister had said, "Many foreign students from African countries have come to Karnataka. They are into the drug business. We catch them and register cases against them, but they want the case to be registered because once the case is registered, we cannot deport them."
"We have gone to the extent of demolishing the rented building where they stay," he had said.
