The Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) has cancelled Property Identification Numbers (PIDs) issued to 31 unauthorised buildings in the city, marking a significant crackdown on irregular property registrations. This action has sparked concern among residents of similar developments who fear possible action against their properties.
Orders Issued by BCC Commissioner
BCC commissioner Kartik M issued two separate orders on April 24, cancelling 17 PIDs in one case and 14 in another. All the affected properties are flats located in two apartment complexes in Ward No. 9. These buildings were constructed on lands purchased through Rs 100 stamp paper agreements, without valid or registered land records.
Heightened Anxiety Among Property Owners
The cancellation has heightened anxiety among owners of buildings raised on unregistered sites who allegedly obtained PIDs in collusion with civic officials. Both apartment complexes fall under the Belagavi South Assembly constituency, represented by BJP MLA Abhay Patil. While the move is seen as a significant step to address irregularities in PID issuance, it has raised questions about whether similar action will be taken across the city's 58 wards, where several such unauthorised constructions are believed to exist. Sources indicate that a large number of suspected cases are concentrated in the Belagavi North Assembly constituency, represented by Congress MLA Asif Sait.
Inquiry Report Confirms Unauthorised Status
Speaking to TOI, Kartik M stated that the decision was based on an inquiry report confirming the buildings were unauthorised. “An inquiry against the officials concerned has also been initiated,” he said. The probe was conducted by Priyanka Vinayak during her tenure as South division commissioner. The inspection revealed that all 31 properties were located within the buffer zone of a drain, making them ineligible for PID allotment.
Officials Found Responsible
The report fixed responsibility on several officials, including former divisional commissioner Dharmanath Kori, assistant revenue officer Parshuram Metri, revenue inspector Priya Lakshmipur, and bill collector Prakash Seth Sanadi. At a revenue department review meeting, revenue deputy commissioner Sidhu Hulloli acknowledged the scam and named the officials involved, stating that they had admitted their role in the issuance of the PIDs.
