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.