Fresh allegations of corruption have emerged for the GBA (Greater Bengaluru Authority , BBMP) office in Rajarajeshwarinagar, Bengaluru with citizens claiming that applications for converting B Khata properties into A Khata are being delayed unless bribes are paid.
According to local residents and property owners, officials handling GBA-related files are demanding unofficial payments before processing applications.
It is alleged that even the final approval from the Joint Commissioner is not granted unless the required amount is paid through intermediaries.
The property owners who have applied for A Khata status say they are facing unnecessary delays despite having all the documents that they need to apply. Some applicants say files are waiting weeks or months, while those who pay bribes are approved faster.
The B Khata to A Khata conversion process is significant to Bengaluru property owners because an A Khata is a tool to get bank loans, building plan approvals, property registration and all other civic services. A delay in the conversion process can have financial and legal consequences for applicants.
Residents have voiced concerns about what they refer to as an alleged “pay-to-process” system. Some have suggested the Karnataka government, the Lokayukta and anti-corruption agencies investigate the Rajarajeshwarinagar GBA office and verify if officials are demanding illegal gratification.
ರಾಜರಾಜೇಶ್ವರಿನಗರದ GBA (BBMP) ಕಛೇರಿಯಲ್ಲಿ GBA ಅಧಿಕಾರಿಗಳ ಲಂಚದ ಆಟದ ಗೂಂಡಾ ವರ್ತನೆ
— DEEPU GOWDRU (@DEEPUVAJRAMUNI) August 6, 2026
B ಖಾತಾ ಇಂದ A ಖಾತಾಗೆ ಲಂಚ ಕೊಟ್ಟರೆ ಮಾತ್ರ joint commissioner ಸಹಿ ಹಾಕೋದು.@DKShivakumar @krishnabgowda pic.twitter.com/Sqsd4tBiyd
As legal experts are well aware, public servants need to process applications based on merit and compliance with regulations, not on unofficial payments. Any bribe demand is a punishable offence under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Transparency activists have also pointed to an increase in digitisation of the approval process. They say that tracking of files on digital file sharing websites, mandatory timelines, and the public disclosure of application status could significantly reduce corruption risk.
At present, these are still allegations and no official statement has been made by BBMP or any other authority. An official inquiry would need to be done to establish the facts and to determine if any misconduct has taken place.
Citizens who face corruption or are asked to pay bribes are also encouraged to preserve evidence audio recordings, messages or transaction details where legally permitted and report the matter to the Karnataka Lokayukta or the Anti-Corruption authorities through appropriate channels.
The allegations have once again brought home to the people how much more accountability and transparency is needed in civic administration and especially in the services that directly affect thousands of property owners across Bengaluru.
How these allegations will lead to an official investigation will be made public, but residents hope that any problems will be rectified as soon as possible to regain trust in them.
