TDR probe crawls over 'missing' files

Investigations into the multi-crore Transferable Development Rights (TDR) scam are yet to pick up pace, with several files related to the case either ‘missing’ or ‘yet to be made available’ by BBMP authorities, even though the files were sought over a month ago.

To add to that, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has been unable to secure permission from relevant authorities to prosecute a few guilty officials.

M Chandra Sekhar, Additional Director General of Police, ACB, told DH that of the 19 files sought by the ACB in connection with the probe, only 11 have been made available till date.

Officials said that one of the two files related to the TDR irregularities in the expansion of the Outer Ring Road had gone missing.

ACB sources suspect the ‘missing’ files to be in the possession of persons involved in the scam.

The BBMP, however, denied reports of delays, with BBMP Commissioner Manjunath Prasad saying none of the files related to the case were missing.

The officials had not submitted these files to the concerned department when they were transferred or sent on deputation to other departments, sources added.

The BBMP, however, denied any delays in submitting the documents sought by the ACB. BBMP Commissioner Manjunath Prasad said none of the files related to the TDR case were missing.

“We have all the files in connection with the case and have extended all co-operation for the investigation,” he said.

It can be noted that days after the first FIR was filed, a fire destroyed several files, including some related to TDR, at a BBMP Assistant Executive Engineer’s office in Bellandur.

The ACB is also frustrated over the Urban Development Department’s delay in granting sanction to prosecute officials. “We sought permission to file two more FIRs in connection with the scam more than a week ago. However, we are yet to get permission,” sources said.

Sources said guilty officials were taking advantage of the delay and had already moved for anticipatory bail.