Cong MLA Alleges Graft in Allotment of Houses

In the Telephonic Conversation with Housing Minister's Secy, BR Patil Said About 950 Houses Were Distributed in Exchange for Money

- Arun Dev

BENGALURU: A row has erupted after a purported audio of Congress MLA BR Patil accusing officials linked to the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation of accepting bribes for housing allotments and ignoring recommendations from elected representatives, was leaked. The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) attacked the government and said that the leaked audio revealed "deep-rooted corruption".

In the purported telephonic conversation, reportedly between Patil and Sarfaraz Khan, private secretary to housing minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Patil alleged that up to 950 houses were distributed in his and neighboring constituencies in exchange for money.

"What will you check? This is my experience...an allegation against my minister and my party's government...You will never get evidence of bribes being exchanged...In my neighboring Afzalpur constituency, bribes have been given for the allotment of so many houses," he said while warning "If I open my mouth, the government will be shaken."

In the audio, Sarfaraz could allegedly be heard taking notes during the call and assuring Patil that action will follow. "I will check with the Rajiv Gandhi Corporation. I will immediately take action," he responded. At one point, Sarfaraz said the guilty would be "hanged," to which Patil retorted, "If we begin hanging, it will not be just one—there will be many."