Lok Ayukta court probe against Karnataka minister Murugesh R Nirani

The Lok Ayukta special court on Monday directed the Lok Ayukta police to conduct an inquiry against heavy industries minister Murugesh R Nirani for allegations of illegally denotifying industrial land for his own benefit.

Alam Pasha had filed a complaint in the Lok Ayukta special court that Nirani had illegally denotified 20 acres of industrial land in Hoovinayakanahalli, near Devanahalli, and seven acres in Markanakuppe village, Dobbspet Industrial Area, in 2010.

Pasha contended that “the government had taken possession of this land and developed it for industrial purposes. By denotifying it, he has caused a loss of at least Rs27 crore to the state exchequer”.

Justice NK Sudhindra Rao heard the case and ordered the Lok Ayukta police to investigate the complaint under Section 156(3) of the CrPC and directed them to file an investigation report on November 16. Lokayukta superintendent of police will conduct the investigation.

Justice Rao expressed dissatisfaction in the manner in which the complaint was filed. He asked Pasha if a personal agenda is the motive in filing a case against Nirani.

Pasha said his family and he have received threats and sought court protection. Justice Rao directed him to register a police complaint.