Government orders vigilance probe into KIIFB land acquisition

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government has ordered a Vigilance investigation into the acquisition of 4,896 acres of land in Kannur district through the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB). The order entrusts the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau with a detailed probe into alleged procedural lapses related to the approval granted for acquiring the land at a cost of Rs 12,240 crore.

KIIFB had approved the acquisition of 5,336 acres of land across Palakkad (470 acres) and Kannur (4,896 acres) at a total estimated cost of Rs 12,710 crore. The decision was taken based on a concept note submitted by KINFRA, without a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis to justify the requirement for such a large extent of land and its financial viability, or clearly defined and profitable commercial projects.

The order states that serious concerns have arisen over financial prudence, accountability and the utilisation of public funds in deciding to undertake land acquisition on such a large scale. It also calls for a comprehensive investigation into the matter.

The investigation will examine the rationale and criteria adopted for the land acquisition; whether the procedures prescribed under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, were followed in determining land prices and compensation; and whether any irregularities or manipulations occurred during the valuation process.

It will also examine whether real estate transactions or other vested interests had any role in influencing the land acquisition decision.