Archive · 10 Dec 2025
Karnataka Minister Seeks Probe into 532-Acre Land Grab
Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre has asked Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to investigate a big land grab.
Someone tried to take 532 acres of forest and government land in Bengaluru and Chikkamagaluru using fake documents.
The land is worth over ₹25,000 crore.
The high court gave an order to transfer the land documents to the person who filed the petition.
The government only found out about this at the last minute.
The forest minister suspects that some officials and lawyers might be helping with this land grab.
He wants the CID to investigate and take action against those involved.
Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre seeks a CID probe into the alleged land grab of 532 acres of forest and government land in Bengaluru and Chikkamagaluru.
The land grab involves over 400 acres of reserved forest land in BM Kaval, Bengaluru, and is valued at over ₹25,000 crore.
A high court order was obtained to transfer the land documents to M B Nemanna Gowda (alias M B Manmatha) within three months.
The government was informed about the high court case at the penultimate moment, after the 90-day period to file appeals had lapsed.
The forest department has issued orders to file an appeal, and the minister suspects involvement of government officials and lawyers in the land grab.
- Who
- Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, M B Nemanna Gowda (alias M B Manmatha)
- What
- Alleged land grab of 532 acres of forest and government land in Bengaluru and Chikkamagaluru
- When
- High court order obtained; government informed at the penultimate moment
- Where
- Bengaluru and Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka
- Why
- To investigate the alleged land grab and the role of government officials and lawyers
- Key Figures
- Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, M B Nemanna Gowda (alias M B Manmatha)
- Allegations
- Attempts to grab 532 acres of forest and government land in Bengaluru and Chikkamagaluru using fake documents
- Land Value
- Exceeds ₹25,000 crore
- Reserved Forest Land
- Over 400 acres in BM Kaval, Bengaluru
- High Court Order
- Order to transfer land documents to M B Manmatha within three months
- Government Response
- Forest department issued orders to file an appeal; CID probe sought
Sources
As deadline for probe into grant of sites to Siddaramaiah’s family looms, court lets Lokayukta police quiz former MUDA chief in prison
Khandre seeks CID probe into ‘encroachment’ of 482 acres of forest land
