The Karnataka Lokayukta Police has registered a criminal case of alleged large-scale manipulation of government land records and illegal grant of public land in Nagamangala taluk of Mandya district, causing an estimated loss of around ₹200 crore to the state exchequer.
The accused include serving and former government officials and private individuals. Criminal proceedings were initiated against 11 people and five government officials were arrested in connection with the fraud.
Based on public complaints, Lokayukta Justice B. Veerappa took suo motu cognizance on January 12 and registered the complaint. Acting on directions, the Lokayukta police conducted search operations at seven locations in Mandya, Mysuru, Chamarajanagar and Maddur between January 13 and 14, starting at 4.30 am.
Charge
The accused allegedly fabricated and manipulated official land records, including forged grant orders, fake notifications and government approvals, manipulated RTCs and survey documents. The documents were allegedly used to illegally grant government gomal and revenue lands by showing new beneficiaries instead of the original owners, thus enabling illegal gain.
Seizures
During searches of residences, offices and vehicles, the Lokayukta police seized original and fake land records, forged saguvali chits, government notifications and grant files and numerous fabricated approvals related to land grants.
A search of village assistant Yogesh’s house and car reportedly led to recovery of original revenue records and several forged documents linked to Nagamangala taluk.
The investigation revealed manipulation of poll numbers 123, 124, 51, 65, 35, among others, across villages including Devalapura, Bellur, Chikkadalakoppalu, Doddagadalakoppalu, Malleshandra, Dondemadahalli, Kachenahalli, Hanchipura and Guddebhovanahalli.
Around 320 acres of government land worth around ₹200 crore was allegedly illegally granted using forged documents. In several cases individuals were given land far in excess of the permissible limit of 4 acres 38 guntas per family.
Published – 15 Jan 2026 0:18 IST
