Farmland on paper, shopping complex in reality? | Hubballi News
Pic: Sai Complex in Kushtagi, which is alleged to be an illegal structureKushtagi (Koppal): A formal grievance was registered with Koppal’s deputy commissioner regarding an unlawfully constructed commercial complex on 27 guntas of revenue land in the town.The property at survey number 51/2, which includes the Kushtagi bus stand, comprises 13 guntas of land, and the ownership is divided between Siddamma Fakirappa Pattanashetty (13 guntas) and Rajeshwari Siddanna Pattanashetty (14 guntas). The primary concern raised in the complaint pertains to ‘Sai Complex’, a commercial establishment constructed on this land approximately ten years ago.The complex houses over 25 business establishments, including banks, bars, restaurants, and hotels. “Even though it is clear that the taxes owed to the govt are not being settled, the inaction of the appropriate authorities regarding this commercial complex, constructed in breach of all regulations, has led to suspicions,” states complainant Parashuram Nagaral.“This shopping complex was constructed without converting the revenue land to non-agricultural (NA) purposes and without acquiring the necessary construction permissions. I found it necessary to file a complaint due to the wilful negligence exhibited by the officials of the municipality, the town and country planning department, and other associated departments,” he states.RTC records continue to classify this land as revenue land, despite the complex’s existence for a decade. Parashuram Nagaral submitted documentation alongside his complaint to the deputy commissioner, requesting action against this unauthorised structure.Siddanna Pattanshetty, the complex owner, refuted these claims. “The complex was built officially, and I have all the documents related to it. However, some people are following the blackmail tactic, and this complaint is full of lies,” he said.Kushtagi municipality chief officer VI Bilagi said: “The documents of the said commercial complex property will be checked and necessary action will be taken.”The complainant, Parashuram Nagaral, states that this serves as proof of the officials’ involvement in illegal activities. According to the information he received under the Right To Information Act, the assistant director of the town planning department stated, “Our office has not approved any layout for the land in survey number 51/2.”Municipality official VI Bilagi claimed that no building permit was issued for Sai Complex, and the land remains unconverted. However, Siddanna Pattanshetty, owner of the complex, possesses documentation showing the municipality’s chief officer having issued a building permit on July 31, 2012, raising additional questions.The matter now rests with the deputy commissioner, whose response is awaited.
