In the ongoing investigation into the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land allotment case, activist Snehamayi Krishna has filed a formal complaint against Chamundeshwari JD(S) MLA GT Devegowda, accusing him of unlawfully acquiring 19 sites under the 50:50 ratio scheme without providing compensation to the original landowner.

On Tuesday, Krishna visited the Mysuru Lokayukta office to submit the complaint against Devegowda and his son, Hunsur MLA Harish Gowda. Along with her complaint, Krishna provided supporting documents and photographs, including an image purportedly showing Devegowda at the landowner’s residence for discussions regarding the land.

“I have submitted to the Lokayukta a set of documents and photographs, including proof of G.T. Devegowda visiting the landowner’s house. These records detail how sites were illegally acquired under the 50:50 scheme. I am hopeful that a fair investigation will follow,” Krishna stated during a press interaction on Wednesday.

In her complaint, Krishna alleged that Devegowda had acquired 2.22 acres of land from Survey No. 81/2 in Devanur without compensating the original landowner. Furthermore, she accused Devegowda’s nephew, Mahendra, of benefiting from this arrangement. Krishna claimed that several politicians and influential figures had acquired sites through benami transactions, with this particular case serving as a prime example of such practices.

The activist also highlighted concerns over the role of the MUDA and the revenue department in issuing Khata documents for the land, which was recorded as agricultural land despite being part of a MUDA-developed layout where many site allottees have resided for over 20 years.

GT Devegowda, in response to the allegations, stated that an investigation would be initiated if it was found that his nephew, Mahendra, had obtained sites illegally from MUDA. He also questioned whether MUDA had subdivided the Devanur land to create a layout. “The investigation should ascertain whether MUDA had indeed compensated the original landowners when acquiring the land,” he said.

Devegowda firmly rejected the claims of benami transactions, stating that the land had been legitimately purchased from farmers. He argued that if Mahendra had acquired the sites through the 50:50 scheme in accordance with the law, no wrongdoing had occurred. “The investigation should focus on determining whether the entire process adhered to legal procedures and regulations,” Devegowda concluded.