Bengaluru, March 4: Senior BJP leader D.N. Jeevaraj has alleged criminal activities concerning the stamp papers used under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and has demanded that the state government request a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter.
Speaking to the media at the BJP state office, Jagannath Bhavan, in Bengaluru on Wednesday, Jeevaraj claimed that documents indicated the JJM had turned into a ‘Jal Jeevan Commission’ in the Shringeri constituency.
He alleged that despite the central government releasing over ₹150 crore for this scheme, not a single household has received water.
Referencing the previous stamp paper scam linked to kingpin Abdul Karim Telgi, he noted that earlier, stamp papers resembled currency notes, making it easy to forge them. He explained that the government later made changes by including serial numbers and QR codes and launched an e-stamping app. When scanned, the app should display the buyer’s details and a unique number. However, he alleged that a scam even larger than the Telgi scam occurred under the JJM.
Jeevaraj presented copies of stamp papers related to agreements between the government, particularly the district panchayat, and contractors under the JJM.
He pointed out that a stamp paper numbered ‘INKA 76845429815984 W’ appeared to have been issued for nine agreements on the same day and time in N.R. Pura and Koppa taluks. He added that another stamp paper number was used for 11 agreements related to borewell drilling.
He stated that the relevant department falls under the portfolio of RDP Minister Priyank Kharge.
Jeevaraj claimed that irregularities were found in many of the 30 agreements he examined, and the stamp papers were counterfeit. He stated, “This is not just a loss to the government treasury; it is 100 percent criminal activity.”
He further alleged that discussions were ongoing among locals in Shringeri about the involvement of close associates of the local MLA, claiming such incidents occurred with the MLA’s tacit support.
He noted that when another stamp paper was scanned, the information indicated it could not be genuine, although he mentioned it was still unclear if it was fake or real. He expressed concern that a local investigation could suppress the matter.
Jeevaraj stated that he personally attempted to verify the depth of borewells dug under the scheme by inserting a camera.
He claimed to have inspected 10 borewells at his own expense and alleged that in one case in Kadegadde Thalmakki of Koppa taluk, a borewell with an actual depth of 228 feet was billed as 587 feet. In another case, a borewell of 260 feet was reportedly billed as 587 feet.
He mentioned that payments for these works had already been made.
He further alleged that in Balaguru Gram Panchayat, a bill of ₹1.49 lakh was sent despite the absence of a borewell, and in Gaurihalli, a bill of ₹1.38 lakh was sent without a borewell.
He presented a newspaper clipping indicating that Congress District President Anshumanth had expressed concerns about alleged irregularities under the JJM during a KDP meeting and urged the MLA to address the issue. He noted that district panchayat member H.M. Satish had also alleged in a public meeting that hundreds of crores had been embezzled under the JJM.
Jeevaraj also accused the authorities of irregularities in constructing overhead tanks, claiming that the trenches for laying pipes were not dug to the required depth and substandard pipes were used.
BJP state vice-president Harthalu Halappa and leader Deepak Doddia from Mudigere were present at the press conference.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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