Former Karnataka Governor Ramadevi rejects land grabbing allegations

PTI

Bangalore, 16 July 2011: Former Karnataka Governor V S Ramadevi today rejected as ’’baseless, irresponsible and unwarranted’’ allegations of land grabbing levelled against her by an ex-legislator and demanded the state government order an inquiry into it.

 

Ramadevi, who was Governor between 1999-2002, demanded that the government order an inquiry into the charges by former legislator A T Ramaswamy that she had illegally acquired four acres in Bangalore North Taluk during her tenure.

 

Ramadevi, who was also Union Law Secretary, flew down here from Hyderabad to clarify reports in a section of the press, said she had not encroached on any land.

 

"I don’t need any asset. I get Rs 60,000 monthly pension for having served as a civil servant. My children are well placed," she said.

 

She demanded that Ramaswamy tender an unconditional apology within two days, failing which she would resort to legal action against him for tarnishing her image.

 

"The allegations are far from the truth. He has deliberately made an attempt to tarnish my image without proper verification of records," she said.

 

She also released copies of revenue department records to prove that the Ramadevi named in it was not her.

 

"I am V S Ramadevi. My husband’s name is V S Ramavatar. The records show it is Ramadevi, wife of Ramarao. All Ramadevis are not V S Ramadevi, former Governor of Karnataka", he said.

 

Last week Ramaswamy, who earlier headed the legislature committee to identify extent of government land encroached in Karnataka, had reportedly levelled the charge against Ramadevi.