Karnataka: Judicial panel flags irregularities in BBMP works, seeks action

A judicial commission headed by retired Justice H N Nagamohan Das has submitted a voluminous 8,900-page report to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on irregularities in the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) works executed between 2019-20 and 2022-23.

The panel scrutinized 761 civic projects, carrying out detailed checks that included file examinations, on-site inspections, and verification of financial records. From 528 randomly chosen works and 233 additional projects, the commission found multiple lapses suggesting large-scale deficiencies in execution and accountability.

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Chief Minister’s Office confirms the report

The Chief Minister’s Office confirmed that the report, supported by annexures, outlines alleged violations across BBMP projects during the specified period. It further recommended strict legal proceedings against officers responsible and called for systemic reforms to prevent similar misconduct in future urban works.

The investigation stems from an earlier recommendation made in July 2023, when Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar highlighted the need for a comprehensive probe into civic corruption. Initially, four special investigative committees were constituted in August 2023, but these were later withdrawn in December 2023. Subsequently, the matter was transferred to Justice Nagamohan Das Commission.

A government notification issued in April 2024 extended the commission’s mandate to incorporate issues reviewed by the previous committees. The final report not only underscores financial and procedural gaps but also suggests corrective measures in planning, monitoring, and execution of civic works to ensure greater transparency.