Forest Land Scam: Major Arrest in Karnataka

Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre announced the arrest of M B Manmatha for allegedly forging documents to encroach upon over 500 acres of forest land near Bengaluru. Investigations are ongoing, with potential involvement of officials. Further action includes a demand for a CID probe from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre announced on Tuesday the arrest of an individual accused of attempting to illegally take over 532 acres of forest and government land near Bengaluru using forged documents. The individual, M B Manmatha, fraudulently obtained court orders to support his claim.

Manmatha, also known as M B Nemannagowda, had previously tried to assert ownership over significant tracts of land in Chikkamagaluru using fake documentation, highlighting a pattern of illegal land acquisition efforts. A police complaint filed by the Assistant Conservator of Forests triggered investigations.

Following registration of an FIR, the case is now under scrutiny, with associating officials and government advocates potentially complicit, according to Khandre. He has requested Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to initiate a CID or Special Investigation Team probe, emphasizing a zero-tolerance stance against encroachments.

(With inputs from agencies.)