New Delhi, Feb 27 – Indian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda has strongly denied allegations of illegally acquiring 12.35 acres of government land in Bengaluru, stating that he does not own any land, home, or stocks in India.
BJP leader N R Ramesh has accused Pitroda of securing the land, valued at over ₹150 crore, with the assistance of five senior government officers, including forest department officials. Ramesh, a former councillor of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), has filed a complaint with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Karnataka Lokayukta, seeking action against Pitroda and the officials involved.
In response to the allegations, Pitroda issued a statement on social media platform X, categorically denying any involvement in the alleged land acquisition. “I do not own any land, home, or stocks in India. Additionally, during my tenure with the Government of India—whether with Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in the 1980s or with Dr. Manmohan Singh from 2004 to 2014—I have never received any salary,” he stated.
Pitroda further asserted that he has never engaged in corrupt practices. “I have never in my entire life—spanning 83 years—paid or accepted any bribe, in India or in any other country. This is the absolute and irrefutable truth,” he added.
The department subsequently allotted 12.35 acres of reserve forest land in Jarakabande Kaval, Yelahanka, on a five-year lease in 1996. Ramesh claims that the lease was extended for another 10 years after its initial expiration in 2001, ultimately lapsing on December 2, 2011, without renewal.
Despite the lease’s expiry, Ramesh alleges that the Karnataka Forest Department made no efforts to reclaim the valuable land for 14 years. He has urged the ED to initiate a criminal case against those involved in the alleged land grab, including officials responsible for overseeing the lease and land reclamation.
With both sides taking firm stances, the matter is likely to escalate into a legal and political battle. Further developments are awaited as investigative agencies review the complaint.
BJP leader N R Ramesh has accused Pitroda of securing the land, valued at over ₹150 crore, with the assistance of five senior government officers, including forest department officials. Ramesh, a former councillor of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), has filed a complaint with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Karnataka Lokayukta, seeking action against Pitroda and the officials involved.
In response to the allegations, Pitroda issued a statement on social media platform X, categorically denying any involvement in the alleged land acquisition. “I do not own any land, home, or stocks in India. Additionally, during my tenure with the Government of India—whether with Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in the 1980s or with Dr. Manmohan Singh from 2004 to 2014—I have never received any salary,” he stated.
Pitroda further asserted that he has never engaged in corrupt practices. “I have never in my entire life—spanning 83 years—paid or accepted any bribe, in India or in any other country. This is the absolute and irrefutable truth,” he added.
Allegations and Legal Complaint
According to Ramesh’s complaint to the ED, Pitroda was involved in the registration of the Foundation for Revitalisation of Local Health Traditions (FRLHT) in Mumbai on October 23, 1993. He alleged that Pitroda sought land from the Karnataka State Forest Department for the conservation of medicinal herbal plants and research.The department subsequently allotted 12.35 acres of reserve forest land in Jarakabande Kaval, Yelahanka, on a five-year lease in 1996. Ramesh claims that the lease was extended for another 10 years after its initial expiration in 2001, ultimately lapsing on December 2, 2011, without renewal.
Despite the lease’s expiry, Ramesh alleges that the Karnataka Forest Department made no efforts to reclaim the valuable land for 14 years. He has urged the ED to initiate a criminal case against those involved in the alleged land grab, including officials responsible for overseeing the lease and land reclamation.
With both sides taking firm stances, the matter is likely to escalate into a legal and political battle. Further developments are awaited as investigative agencies review the complaint.
Last updated by a enewsx: