BELAGAVI: The Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) has revoked Property Identification Numbers (PIDs) for 31 unauthorized buildings, leading to alarm among residents of similar projects.
On April 24, BCC commissioner Kartik M issued two separate orders, cancelling 17 PIDs in one instance and 14 in another. The affected properties are apartments within two complexes located in Ward No. 9, built on lands acquired through Rs 100 stamp paper agreements that lack valid registration.
This action has intensified fears among owners of buildings on unregistered sites, who allegedly received PIDs through collusion with civic officials. Both complexes are part of the Belagavi South Assembly constituency, represented by BJP MLA Abhay Patil.
This initiative is viewed as a crucial step towards rectifying PID issuance irregularities but raises questions about potential actions in the city’s 58 wards, where numerous unauthorized constructions may exist. Sources indicate a significant number of suspected cases are found in the Belagavi North Assembly constituency, represented by Congress MLA Asif Sait.
In an interview with TOI, Kartik M indicated that the decision stemmed from an inquiry report validating the unauthorized status of the buildings. “An inquiry against the involved officials has also been launched,” he noted.
The probe, carried out by Priyanka Vinayak during her time as South division commissioner, showed that all 31 properties were situated within the buffer zone of a drain, disqualifying them for PID issuance. The report held several officials accountable, including former divisional commissioner Dharmanath Kori, assistant revenue officer Parshuram Metri, revenue inspector Priya Lakshmipur, and bill collector Prakash Seth Sanadi.
During a review meeting at the revenue department, revenue deputy commissioner Sidhu Hulloli acknowledged the scam, revealing that the implicated officials admitted their involvement in the issuance of the PIDs.
