Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister Calls for Comprehensive Probe into Alleged Land Compensation Cartel

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar informed the assembly about the potential collusion of government advocates with a 'big cartel' demanding exorbitant compensation for land acquisitions related to Krishna and Cauvery river irrigation projects. He emphasized the necessity of an extensive investigation and the removal of the involved advocates.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Tuesday alerted the assembly about a suspected collaboration between government advocates and a 'big cartel' that seeks inflated compensation for land acquisition, rehabilitation, and resettlement tied to irrigation projects on the Krishna River.

Shivakumar, who also manages the water resources portfolio, urged for a thorough investigation and the removal of the implicated government advocates. He was responding to senior BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal's inquiry regarding government spending on the Krishna Bhagya Jala Nigam Ltd (KBJNL) and Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Ltd (CNNL).

Shivakumar expressed concern over reviewing land acquisition cases, noting that earlier compensation was as low as Rs 2,000-3,000 per acre, but current demands appear orchestrated. Court orders in districts like Vijayapura, Bagalkote, and Raichur mandate compensation as high as Rs 1.26 crore per acre in some scenarios. He plans to meet with law and revenue ministers to address and appeal these decisions.

(With inputs from agencies.)