Karnataka : Lakhs of rupees embezzled in Karwar Government cowshed project

• Corruption exposed through information obtained under the Right to Information Act

• Hindu Janajagruti Samiti demands strict action against the guilty officials   

From left: Mr Suryakant Kals, Mr Amit Malshekar, Mr Sandeep R. Gokarnkar, Mr Mohan Gowda, Dr Gajendra Naik and Mr Sharad

Karwar (Karnataka) – In survey number 95 of Kanasgiri village in Uttara Kannada taluka, a Government cowshed is being constructed under the District Development Centre. However, it has come to light that lakhs of rupees have been misused in this project. Project Manager Harsh Shettigar and Engineer Kamaraj grossly abused their powers and oversaw extremely substandard construction. Hindu Janajagruti Samiti’s Karnataka State Spokesperson Mr Mohan Gowda demanded their immediate suspension through administrative and legal action. He was addressing a press conference on 23 July at the District Journalists’ Building. Also present were Mr Sandeep R. Gokarnkar, President of Sanatan Gomata Charitable Trust; Mr Sharad, President of Sanatan Rashtra Seva Sangh; Mr Amit Malshekar, Gau Rakshak and Bajrang Dal leader; and Mr Suryakant, President of Bhagat Singh Sena.

Key issues raised by Mr Gowda:

1. Construction began without approval – The construction started in January 2023, but technical approval from the Animal Husbandry Department was obtained only in October 2024 after the work was already completed.

2. Discrepancy in payments – The estimated cost of the project was ₹50 lakh, and the construction done so far is worth ₹42.12 lakh. However, the recorded payment is only ₹38.90 lakh.

3. Irregularity in wall construction – The wall required around ₹5,300 worth of concrete blocks, and the wall work is complete. Yet, payment records show only ₹3,120 worth of blocks were purchased.

4. Nearly double the quantity of iron rods used – The estimated requirement for iron rods was 2,601.05 kg, but according to the payment records, 4,248.10 kg were purchased.

5. Misuse in purchase of other materials – Similar discrepancies were found in the procurement of tiles, pipes, roofing, chain-link fencing, electric wires, paint, plywood and cement.

Editorial Perspective

Corruption has become a default feature of every Government project. Until those responsible are dismissed, their assets seized by the Government and they are sentenced to life imprisonment, this will continue. And when the Congress is in power, the situation only worsens.