Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh: IAS officer Dr. Nagarjun B. Gowda, a 2019-batch officer known for his inspiring journey from doctor to civil servant, is once again in the spotlight—this time over alleged irregularities in land acquisition and the controversial reduction of a mining fine. He has clarified that all property purchases made during government service are carried out with proper official permission.
RTI Activist Alleges ₹8 Crore Land Deal Using Bribe Money
The fresh controversy stems from claims made by an RTI activist from Harda, who alleged that Dr. Gowda purchased 4 acres of prime land in Bhopal using illicit funds, alleging a market value of ₹2 crore per acre—totalling ₹8 crore.
According to property records, the land in question lies in Fatehpur Dobra village, Phanda block, Bhopal. It was purchased jointly by IAS Gowda and one Rohit Sharma for ₹90 lakh, with Dr. Gowda’s share being 2 acres for ₹45 lakh, based on government guideline rates. However, Jat claims that the actual market value far exceeds this registered price, hinting at potential underreporting or unaccounted funds.
Gowda Responds: ‘Purchased with Due Government Permission’
Responding to the allegations, Dr. Nagarjun B. Gowda, currently posted as CEO, District Panchayat, Khandwa, clarified that any property purchased during government service is done with prior permission.
“I followed the due process and informed the government before the purchase,” Mr. Gowda stated in a phone call to a prestigious media house.
Mining Fine Reduction: Another Flashpoint
The land purchase occurred four months after Dr. Gowda issued a controversial order in March 2024, reducing a proposed ₹51.67 crore fine to just ₹4,032 for Path India, a road construction firm accused of illegal mining in Harda district.
RTI activist has alleged that Mr Gowda accepted a bribe in exchange for drastically reducing the fine. He claims the company’s version was given priority over official staff reports, and no re-survey or measurement was conducted to validate the mining extent, citing the lack of a “standard meter.”
Official Records Dispute Bribery Allegations
However, documents reviewed by credible sources suggest that the ₹51.67 crore figure was merely a preliminary assessment, not a finalized penalty. It was issued prior to Gowda’s posting as Additional District Magistrate (ADM) in Harda.
Upon assuming office, Gowda reportedly followed due legal procedure, including:
- Multiple hearings with all parties
- On-site inspections
- Review of documentary evidence
These processes revealed discrepancies in the original notice, including unverified data and inflated estimates. Consequently, the final penalty imposed was substantially lower, aligning with findings from the reassessment.
Key findings of Mining Controversy included –
The ₹51 crore was only a notice, not a final fine, and it was issued before Dr Gowda took charge as ADM. After he joined, the case went through a detailed review process, which found several key facts:
- Many of the land parcels mentioned in the case already had legal mining permissions.
- Some of the excavation took place before the company started work on the project.
In certain areas, the soil was removed by local farmers or previous contractors under government schemes.
The tehsildar, who issued the original notice, admitted in court that the report was based on media coverage, not on actual field verification.
Moreover, as per Madhya Pradesh mining rules, soil and murum used for national infrastructure projects like Bharatmala are exempt from royalty, invalidating the very formula used to calculate the supposed loss.
After reviewing all documentation and hearing all sides over a six-month period, Dr. Gowda, in his capacity as ADM, revoked the penalty, citing lack of conclusive evidence and serious procedural lapses. He also held the mining department accountable for its negligence in not monitoring excavation activity over the years, some of which dated back long before PATH’s involvement.
No Proof from the Accuser
The RTI activist who made the accusations, himself admitted that he had no proof and made his claims based on hearsay. He has also been involved in several criminal cases, including those related to blackmail, extortion, and intimidation, and has been jailed multiple times. Authorities confirm he has a history of making similar false accusations in the past.
Complaint to Be Filed with Economic Offences Wing (EOW)
Despite the lack of conclusive evidence, the RTI activist has announced plans to escalate the matter, stating he will lodge a formal complaint with the Economic Offences Wing (EOW). He has demanded an inquiry into both the land deal and the fine reduction case.
Who Is Dr. Nagarjun B. Gowda?
An MBBS graduate who cleared the UPSC Civil Services Exam in his second attempt, Dr. Gowda is often celebrated for his rise from modest beginnings to becoming an IAS officer. He is well-known for his social media presence, motivational speeches, and authored books. A medical doctor by education, he is married to IAS officer Srushti Deshmukh, also from the 2019 batch.
Both officers are prominent among UPSC aspirants and civil services circles, often praised for their transparency and engagement with youth.
Read also: IAS Nagarjuna B. Gowda Responds to Allegations of Reducing ₹51 Crore Mining Fine to ₹4,000
