Another BJP MLA facing land scam charges

One more ruling BJP legislator today joined the list of party leaders facing land scam charges in Karnataka following a private complaint being filed against Somalingappa with Bellary In-charge Deputy Commissioner Kashinath Pawar.

Official sources said four persons in their complaint had alleged that Somalingappa used his position as ruling party MLA and allegedly encroached upon 60 acres belonging to two families in Siriguppa Halekote near Bellary.

Pawar has assured the complainants that action would be initiated if Somalingappa was found guilty of encroachment, sources said.

Reacting to the allegations, Somalingappa told reporters that the allegations were 'motivated'.

"In fact, I had bought over the land in 2002 and have relevant documents to prove land purchasing deal," he said.

Former Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa, Home Minister R Ashoka, Industries Minister Murugesh Nirani, former ministers SN Krishnaiah Setty and Katta Subramanya Naidu are already facing court cases in connection with irregularities in land allotment.