The recent investigation by the Lokayukta revealed that seven months after the fraud came to its notice the KIADB has not initiated any measures.
The KIADB had acquired 3,266.10 acres in Jala Hobli for Aerospace Industry, Hardware Park and Information Technology Park. The KIADB acquired 39.38 acres of forest land in survey numbers 63 and 70 as part of the total 1,310.14 acres it acquired for Hardware Park. It also paid higher price for the land due to its proximity to the international airport. But, the deputy conservator of forest, Bangalore Rural district H S S Murthy wrote a letter to the KIADB not to acquire the land in the reserve forest area.
The Maharaja of Mysore Princely State had reserved 1,055 acres of land in Bettakote, Baladimmmanahalli, Jonnahalli and Unchooru as Bettakote State Forest in 1931. Of this, 698.29 acres was utilised for the Bengaluru International Airport after obtaining permission from the Centre. Of the remaining 356.84 acre State forest, the KIADB acquired 39.38 acres without verifying with the forest department and obtaining necessary clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest. Alerted by the letter from the Forest Department, the KIADB officers looked out for those who took the compensation but in vain, as they couldn’t find anyone with the given name and address, said sources.