Karnataka Lokayukta registers case over fire destroying crops worth ₹50 lakh
Eleven officials face a suo motu case following a fire in Vijayapura district allegedly caused by electrical negligence.
The Karnataka Lokayukta has registered a suo motu case against 11 government officials regarding a fire that destroyed crops and agricultural assets worth an estimated ₹50 lakh in Hallur village, Muddebihal taluk, on October 26.
According to The Hindu, the fire in Vijayapura district was allegedly triggered by an electrical short circuit involving poorly maintained transformer centres and low-hanging high-tension wires.
Lokayukta Justice B.S. Patil ordered the investigation after a preliminary spot inspection report by the Lokayukta Superintendent of Police showed that crops across nearly 20 acres and eight guntas were gutted.
The Lokayukta observed that officials from the Hubli Electricity Supply Company (Hescom) and the Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Ltd (KPTCL) allegedly failed to maintain electrical lines and follow safety norms despite written complaints from farmers.
The case also names the Vijayapura Deputy Commissioner, the Muddebihal tahsildar, and the Taluk Agriculture Officer for alleged inaction in assessing damage or arranging interim compensation.
The Deputy Commissioner, tahsildar, and Taluk Agriculture Officer have been directed to conduct a joint inspection and prepare an action plan for interim compensation, with the next hearing scheduled for November 30.