Bangalore: After Yeddiyurappa and N. Dharam Singh / S.M. Krishna, it is the turn of former CM and MP H.D. Devegowda, to face legal actions for their serious lapses.

When Devegowda was leaving as CM, to be PM on selection at New Delhi, he is alleged to have committed economic irregularities to the tune of Rs.400 crosses, by signing Government files in a heap, at nights in the Upper Krishna (River) Project to benefit his family, under sub-contracts in 1964.

A project originally that would have cost only Rs.120 crores, reached as much as Rs.12,000 crores in the end. Only the first stage has been completed and the second stage is still unfinished after 45 years.

It is a baby of river water resources department. The project would have served districts of Bijapur, Bagalkot, Gulbarga, Raichur and Koppal dry areas of 6,220sq. kms. land by irrigation.

Devegowda broke rules without calling tenders and creating sub-contracts, raising costs in some cases form Rs.2.5 crores to Rs.5 crores. While granting even such works, favoritism had a full play.

A 14 member committee was set up to conduct enquire. An F.I.R. now  issued, relating to 1995-98 irregularities, charges Officers, contractors and staff persons and was registered onOctober 26, Wednesday to involve H.D. Devegowda.