Times of India: Karnataka: Monday, 28 September 2026.
The Karnataka Information
Commission has imposed a Rs 25,000 penalty on Gangavathi taluk panchayat
assistant director Mahantagouda Patil for failing to furnish records sought
under the RTI Act during his tenure as PDO. The records related to alleged irregularities
in material expenditure, stock registers and MIS payments worth lakhs of rupees
under MGNREGA works carried out in Bevinahal village during 2015-16 and
2017-18.
Applicants alleged that the records were not provided despite repeated requests. Patil, who was later promoted as assistant director, told the commission that he was not holding the post when the RTI applications were filed. State information commissioner B Venkat Singh rejected the contention and directed him to deposit the penalty amount in the govt account and submit proof.
The issue drew attention after a fire at the Bevinahal gram panchayat office on May 1, 2023. The current PDO submitted an affidavit to the commission stating that key records had been destroyed in the incident.
Applicant Chandanagouda alleged that the records were deliberately destroyed to conceal the alleged misuse of funds under the MGNREGA scheme and sought a high-level probe. He also alleged the involvement of several officials, including Patil.
Following the commission’s order, Koppal ZP CEO Varnit Negi said a departmental inquiry and disciplinary proceedings would be initiated against Patil to examine his role in the alleged withholding of public records.
Applicants alleged that the records were not provided despite repeated requests. Patil, who was later promoted as assistant director, told the commission that he was not holding the post when the RTI applications were filed. State information commissioner B Venkat Singh rejected the contention and directed him to deposit the penalty amount in the govt account and submit proof.
The issue drew attention after a fire at the Bevinahal gram panchayat office on May 1, 2023. The current PDO submitted an affidavit to the commission stating that key records had been destroyed in the incident.
Applicant Chandanagouda alleged that the records were deliberately destroyed to conceal the alleged misuse of funds under the MGNREGA scheme and sought a high-level probe. He also alleged the involvement of several officials, including Patil.
Following the commission’s order, Koppal ZP CEO Varnit Negi said a departmental inquiry and disciplinary proceedings would be initiated against Patil to examine his role in the alleged withholding of public records.
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