Mungaru Male producer accused of land-grab

A complaint has been filed against producer E Krishnappa of Mungaru Male fame for acquiring land illegally. The complainants, Venkatachalam and eight others, filed a complaint in the Lok Ayukta office on Thursday.

They alleged that Krishnappa illegally acquired five acres and 36 guntas in Dombarahalli village, Dasanpura hobli, Yelahanka. He also forced the site-holders to vacate the land last week, they alleged.

In 1992, Madugiriappa, owner of the disputed land, registered a general power of attorney (GPA) to Sundaram to develop the site and sell it. Madugiriappa’s wife Lakshmamma and his children, too, signed the GPA. Later, a layout was developed on that land. In 1994, a few people built houses and the rest built compounds.

They had paid the gram panchayat tax and khatha. In 2004, Lakshmamma and her children tried to sell the land. A case was filed by 130 residents in the city civil court, challenging their move.

The court directed them to maintain status quo.
E Krishnappa registered the land in his name in 2004 and in 2008, after becoming an MLC, he allegedly produced a khatha.

The layout’s residents then complained to the Bangalore Rural police. Last month, Krishnappa forced the residents to vacate and demolished 30% of the compounds. Now, the residents have filed a complaint in the Lok Ayukta office.