Probe against BMTF Chief

A Special Lokayukta Court here on Thursday ordered a probe on a private complaint filed against Bangalore Metropolitan Task Force (BMTF) chief ADGP R P Sharma.

Complainant S M Alex, a businessman, had alleged that Sharma misused his powers in purchasing a Bangalore Development Authority land site for a price less than the government-prescribed guidance value. Three others have also been accused in the case.

Judge N K Sudhindra Rao directed Lokayukta Deputy Superintendent of Police, Bangalore Urban, H S Manjunath to investigate into the case and submit his report by October 20.

Alex submitted that in 2010 Sharma, as IGP (Planning), acquired over 10,200 sq ft of land under the BDA jurisdiction at Doddagubbi village in Bangalore Rural district by paying `17 lakh.

However, the guidance value for the property was said to be around `25 lakh, according to the complainant’s statement.

Alex further alleged that while declaring this property before the designated authority, Sharma neither mentioned the survey number nor the exact location, mainly to avoid stamp duty.

On August 25, 2012, the Bangalore Development Authority issued a notice to Sharma to stop “illegal” construction, Alex said.