Final report on PID scam submitted- action awaited

Belagavi: The final inquiry report into the property identification number (PID) scam at the Belagavi City Corporation was submitted to city commissioner Karthik M by revenue commissioner Siddu Hulloḷi on Monday, bringing the focus squarely on the next course of action against those found responsible.The inquiry pertains to alleged irregularities in the issuance of PIDs to unauthorised properties by the Goaves zonal office, an issue that has remained under scrutiny for several months. During the course of the probe, notices were served to zonal commissioner Dharmanath Kori, assistant revenue officer Parashuram Metri, revenue inspector Priya Laxmipur and bill collector Prakash Sathe, seeking their explanations. In their responses, all four officials maintained that the lapses were inadvertent.The investigation was conducted by Priyanka Vinayak, the current zonal commissioner of the Goaves office, who was appointed as the inquiry officer by Hulloḷi. After completing a detailed probe, she submitted her findings to the revenue commissioner, who has now forwarded the final report to the city commissioner. Karthik M confirmed receipt of the report.According to sources, the report contains extensive documentation, including land records, ownership details, signatures and data related to PIDs issued to unauthorised properties. It also identifies the officials and staff involved and clearly outlines their roles and responsibilities in the process.Sources indicate that four officials were held guilty in the inquiry. With accountability established, the onus is now on the city commissioner to initiate appropriate disciplinary and legal proceedings.The case has sparked serious concerns over transparency and governance within the civic administration, with public attention now focused on the action to be taken. Meanwhile, a recent recommendation by mayor Preeti Kamkar seeking the transfer of inquiry officer Priyanka Vinayak has raised eyebrows, with some viewing it as a potential attempt to derail the investigation.Notably, the issue of issuing PIDs to unauthorised buildings is not confined to a single zone but is reported across all four zones of the corporation. The matter has been repeatedly raised by both ruling and opposition corporators during council meetings, underscoring its wider implications for urban governance in the city.