HD Kumaraswamy Orders Probe Into Alleged Diversion Of 175 Acres Of HMT Land In Bengaluru
Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel HD Kumaraswamy on Thursday conducted an inspection of HMT land in Bengaluru and alleged that 175 acres of the property had been illegally diverted between 1999 and 2004. Following his visit, the minister directed HMT officials to prepare a comprehensive report on the alleged irregularities to initiate a detailed investigation.
During his inspection, the Union minister visited several specific areas in Bengaluru where high-rise residential and commercial projects have since been constructed on the disputed land. After reviewing these sites, Kumaraswamy held a formal meeting with senior HMT officials to discuss the land parcels and the nature of the transactions.
Kumaraswamy claimed that the diversion of the 175 acres of land occurred with the direct involvement of the then urban development minister in the Congress government. He alleged that a nexus existed between former HMT officials and influential individuals within the state government, which facilitated the transfer of land to private interests.
While addressing the media and officials, Kumaraswamy displayed various maps and documents. He claimed that these records provide information regarding the specific individuals who facilitated the transactions and ultimately benefited from the land diversion. He further challenged the state government to take action and reclaim the diverted land.
In his remarks, Kumaraswamy hit out at DK Shivakumar, alleging that the individual who is currently pursuing the proposed Bidadi Township project had played a key role in the diversion of the HMT land. This involvement allegedly took place during his tenure as the urban development minister between 1999 and 2004.
The preparation of the comprehensive report by HMT officials will serve as the first step toward a detailed investigation, which could lead to legal efforts to reclaim the land and is expected to escalate political tensions.
