Belagavi : Govt has proposed upgrading the Gotur Inspection Bungalow (IB) in Hukkeri taluk , which gained notoriety following Kannada actress Kalpana 's suicide in 1979. The British-era IB is set to be revived at a cost of Rs 3 crore, bringing attention back to this historic location. Fashion icon of the 60s and 70s, Sharat Lata, popularly known as Kalpana, died by suicide in Gotur IB by consuming diamond powder.
The incident took place on May 12, 1979, when Kalpana arrived in Gotur for a theatre performance. The actress took the extreme step late at night after an altercation with drama company owner Gudigeri Basavaraj on stage. In 2015, some media firms telecast reports about the soul of the late actress roaming the precincts of the IB on Amavasya.
The reports caused panic among the villagers. However, the villagers strongly condemned the reports, dismissing them as rumours. An anti-superstition forum, Manav Bandhutva Vedike, had organised a night stay programme on Amavasya in an attempt to dispel myths.
Now, the Gotur IB is again in the news after a long time as govt has announced its plan to revive the IB which is in a pathetic condition. Govt has sanctioned Rs 3 crore under the public works department to undertake the development works of the IB during 2024-25. The new IB will have two VVIP rooms with dining halls, two other VIP rooms, an auditorium, and a separate building for employees.
"Sanction has been given for the reconstruction of Gotur IB to facilitate the stay .
