Belagavi PID Scam Inquiry Report Submitted, Officials Found Guilty
The final inquiry report into the property identification number (PID) scam at the Belagavi City Corporation was officially submitted to city commissioner Karthik M by revenue commissioner Siddu Hulloḷi on Monday. This development shifts the focus to the next steps against those held responsible for the irregularities.
Details of the Investigation
The inquiry centered on alleged irregularities in issuing PIDs to unauthorized properties through the Goaves zonal office, a matter that has been under scrutiny for several months. During the probe, notices were served to four officials: zonal commissioner Dharmanath Kori, assistant revenue officer Parashuram Metri, revenue inspector Priya Laxmipur, and bill collector Prakash Sathe. In their responses, all four officials claimed that the lapses were unintentional.
Priyanka Vinayak, the current zonal commissioner of the Goaves office, was appointed as the inquiry officer by Hulloḷi. After conducting a thorough investigation, she submitted her findings to the revenue commissioner, who then forwarded the final report to the city commissioner. Karthik M has confirmed receipt of the report.
Contents of the Report
According to sources, the report includes extensive documentation such as land records, ownership details, signatures, and data related to PIDs issued to unauthorized properties. It clearly identifies the officials and staff involved, outlining their specific roles and responsibilities in the process. Sources indicate that four officials have been found guilty in the inquiry, establishing accountability for the scam.
Next Steps and Broader Implications
With the inquiry complete, the responsibility now lies with the city commissioner to initiate appropriate disciplinary and legal proceedings against the guilty officials. This case has raised serious concerns about transparency and governance within the civic administration, drawing public attention to the actions that will follow.
In a related development, a recent recommendation by mayor Preeti Kamkar to transfer inquiry officer Priyanka Vinayak has sparked speculation, with some viewing it as a potential attempt to disrupt the investigation.
Notably, the issue of issuing PIDs to unauthorized buildings is not limited to the Goaves zone but is reported across all four zones of the corporation. The matter has been frequently raised by both ruling and opposition corporators during council meetings, highlighting its wider implications for urban governance in Belagavi.
