ARO Suspended for Issuing Fraudulent 'A' Khatas in Unauthorised Layout
The Assistant Revenue Officer (ARO) of the Bengaluru Urban district has been suspended for issuing fraudulent 'A' khatas for an unauthorised layout in Herohalli, according to an order by the Grievance and Bribery Authority (GBA). The irregularities have caused a revenue loss of several crores, the GBA order stated.
Details of the Fraudulent Activity
The ARO, identified as M. Venkatesh, was found to have issued 'A' khatas—documents that certify land ownership and are used for property tax assessment—for plots in an illegal layout developed on government land in Herohalli, a locality in the western part of Bengaluru. The GBA investigation revealed that the khatas were issued without proper verification of land records and without obtaining the required approvals from the city planning authorities.
Impact and Revenue Loss
The fraudulent issuance of khatas enabled the unauthorised layout to operate as a legitimate property, allowing the developer to sell plots to unsuspecting buyers. The GBA order noted that this has resulted in a significant revenue loss to the state exchequer, amounting to several crores of rupees in unpaid taxes and penalties. The exact figure is yet to be determined, but preliminary estimates suggest losses exceeding ₹5 crore.
GBA Action and Suspension
The GBA, acting on a complaint from a local resident, conducted a detailed inquiry and found the ARO guilty of dereliction of duty and collusion with the developer. The order suspending Venkatesh was issued on June 24, 2026, and he will face further disciplinary proceedings. The GBA has also directed the revenue department to cancel all fraudulent khatas and take action against the developer.
Broader Implications
This incident highlights the systemic issues in the management of land records in Bengaluru, where illegal layouts often operate with the connivance of revenue officials. The GBA has urged the government to implement stricter oversight and digitisation of land records to prevent such frauds in the future. Citizens have been advised to verify the authenticity of khatas through the official online portal before purchasing property.
