Following a recent decision by the High Court of Karnataka to halt the investigation into civic works carried out by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) between 2019-20 and 2022-23, the State government has disbanded four Special Investigation Teams (SITs) led by IAS officers.
However, the government has announced that the investigation will now be taken over by the H.N. Nagamohan Das Commission. This decision comes after the government had previously formed SITs to look into projects related to solid waste management, road development, storm-water drain, and lake development. These SITs were also tasked with probing allegations of ‘40% commission’ by contractors.
On a separate note, the government established the H.N. Nagamohan Das Commission to investigate works executed during the previous BJP government in various departments. The scope of the investigation was later expanded to include the BBMP and the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) works, with the term of the commission being extended till May 24, 2024.
However, the multiple probes have caused delays in payments to contractors, prompting them to halt civic works in protest. This led to the government releasing a portion of funds under certain schemes. The contractors also alleged harassment during the probes and obtained a stay on the investigation from the High Court.
As a result, the government has disbanded the SITs and transferred their interim reports and documents to the H.N. Nagamohan Das Commission. Mr. Das, the head of the Commission, stated that he has not yet received reports from the SITs or the government. Additionally, sources revealed that Mr. Biswas, from one of the SITs, had submitted an interim report highlighting improprieties in the civic works, but he declined to provide further details.