Transparency Under Fire: Activist Alleges Destruction of Crucial BMIC Project Records by NICE MD Ashok Kheny

In a fresh twist to the long-running saga of the Bangalore-Mysore Infrastructure Corridor (BMIC) project, veteran activist T.J. Abraham has once again stepped into the spotlight, this time leveling a serious accusation against Ashok Kheny, the Managing Director of Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises (NICE). Abraham has formally lodged a complaint with the Lokayukta, Karnataka's anti-corruption ombudsman, alleging nothing less than the destruction of crucial, original records pertaining to the project. It’s a bold claim, one that strikes right at the heart of transparency and public accountability.

The complaint, filed on a recent Tuesday, stems from Abraham's persistent efforts to obtain specific documents related to the BMIC through Right to Information (RTI) requests. He claims Kheny, perhaps feeling the heat, has systematically done away with the original paperwork that outlines the project's very foundation. We’re talking about foundational documents here: the initial project proposal, intricate financial statements, various government orders issued from way back in 1995, and critically, the nitty-gritty details of land acquisition. These aren't just minor files; they're the blueprint and history of a massively controversial public-private venture.

This isn't the first time Kheny has been accused of being less than forthcoming with project details. Abraham's complaint vividly recalls instances where Kheny flat-out refused to provide documents, even going so far as to label them "personal" – a classification that frankly beggars belief when discussing a public infrastructure project of this scale. "How can documents pertaining to a public project be personal?" Abraham questioned, quite rightly. He underscores that these records are, in fact, government property, essential for public scrutiny, especially given the project's chequered past and ongoing legal battles.

Indeed, the BMIC project itself has been mired in controversy for decades, almost since its inception. It's seen multiple inquiries, including intense scrutiny from various legislative committees, and has been the subject of numerous court cases. Critics, like Abraham, have consistently raised concerns about land acquisition irregularities, alleged deviations from the original framework agreement, and the overall lack of transparency. Kheny, a former MLA, has often found himself at the center of these storms, steadfastly defending NICE's actions.

By filing this complaint, Abraham isn't just seeking specific documents; he's challenging a perceived culture of secrecy and obstruction. The activist's unwavering pursuit of these records highlights the fundamental importance of access to information, especially when it involves public resources and projects affecting countless citizens. The Lokayukta now has a significant task on its hands: to investigate these serious allegations and, hopefully, bring clarity and accountability to a project that has long been shrouded in legal complexities and public skepticism. One can only hope that justice, and crucially, transparency, will ultimately prevail.