Land-grab charge against R Ashoka: Hearing on December 16

The Lokayukta special court on Monday granted an extension to the Lokayukta police to investigate the land-grab charges against home minister R Ashoka.

In an earlier hearing, Justice NK Sudhindra Rao had ordered the Lokayukta superintendent of police, Bangalore Urban district, to submit the investigation report by November 21.  When the case came up for hearing on Monday, the police sought an extension of six weeks to complete the investigation. Justice Rao, however, gave time till December 16.

Ashoka allegedly denotified 23 guntas of land in Lottegollahalli and registered it in his favour. The BDA had acquired the land to form Raj Mahal Vilas Layout. Advocate Jayakumar Hiremath filed a private complaint in this regard in the Lokayukta court. The complaint states that by illegally acquiring land, Ashoka caused a loss of `26 crore to the state exchequer. Former chief minister BS Yeddyurappa is also an accused in the case.