Over 54,000 property owners in Bengaluru face scrutiny over potentially illegally obtained property records. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) ordered a review of "A" khata certificates, documents indicating legal property status. Officials suspect these certificates were obtained through bribes.

New Verification Process for 'A' Khata

In a move to address corruption and ensure transparency, BBMP has instructed its officials not to issue 'A' khata when property owners apply for e-khata. These applications will be placed in a distinct queue for further verification. This decision could pose a setback for owners who bought properties under the assumption that they were legally issued 'A' khata.

Over the next few days, officials will identify all properties tied to fraudulent 'A' khata records in BBMP's software and flag them for additional scrutiny. When owners apply for e-khata, they may receive 'B' khata unless they provide the necessary documents proving their property’s legitimacy.

Owners required to submit several key documents

The BBMP’s crackdown is part of its broader initiative to digitize property records, a process that is now underway. While the scanning of property registers has been completed, the verification of e-khata applications is ongoing, supported by a new quality-check module designed to minimize errors.

For a property to qualify for 'A' khata in the digital system, owners must submit several key documents, including land conversion orders, betterment fee receipts, or approvals from the former panchayat or deputy commissioner. If these documents are not provided, the BBMP plans to cancel any 'A' khata issued previously through fraud or error.

A Significant Number of Illegal 'A' Khata Cases Identified

So far, BBMP has identified 54,869 properties with dubious 'A' khata status. The civic body has also reviewed 9,736 cases where 'A' khata was issued illegally as of February 2023, and uncovered 45,133 cases where property owners had paid a betterment fee to obtain the certificate—an action deemed illegal, as there is no legal provision for such fees.

Most Affected Areas and Impact on Property Owners

Areas like Mahadevapura, RR Nagar, and Bommanahalli are among the most affected, with the highest number of properties issued 'A' khata without following the proper procedures. As per the BBMP’s new order, properties involved in this issue will not be eligible for building plan approvals or occupancy certificates.

Citizens' Concerns

Citizen activists have raised concerns that the BBMP’s actions could create difficulties for residents who unknowingly bought properties with fraudulent 'A' khata. Some have suggested that the BBMP needs to resolve its internal issues before taking action that could burden property owners.