In Karnataka, Panel to probe graft in Raibag civic body

BELAGAVI: Deputy commissioner Nitesh Patil has constituted a sub-committee of the officials comprising Chikodi assistant commissioner, technical assistant in the DC office and deputy director of land records to investigate serious allegations against the Raibag town municipality.
The DC instructed members in the sub-committee to visit the Raibag town municipality and give a detailed report on the irregularities and malpractices, as per the complaints. The decision was made after the complaint by an RTI activist Surendra Ugare.
Advocate Ugare had complained to Patil about various irregularities and illegal activities, including that several members of a same family were working in the office on a contract basis, corruption in changing names in land records for approving layouts and distributing commercial complexes.
The activist demanded complete verification of the revenue records since from 2017-18. He has also submitted several valuable evidences along with audio and video records to justify his complaint. He also demanded that the district-level special team should focus on such cases.
The complaint of Ugare says Shivaraj Pakale, tax collector in the municipality, has altered several land records without any orders being issued. The DC has sought a detailed report from the officials.