2,400 files pending before Lokayukta, reveals Shetty; seeks ACB's cooperation

Udupi, Feb 5: Nearly 2,400 files were pending before the Lokayukta in Karnataka as the institution had no head for one year and two months, said P Vishwanath Shetty, who recently took charge as Lokayukta chief.

Speaking to presspersons, here on Saturday Mr. Shetty said that he had already cleared some of the files. About 4,000 files were pending with the Upalokayuktas. Though the Lokayukta was not there, the two Upalokayuktas had done their work, he said.

To another query, he said that different Lokayuktas had had different styles of functioning. He would have his own style of functioning. He would work to reduce corruption and to see that there was proper implementation of government schemes meant for the poor.

At times, these schemes were not properly implemented either due to corruption or the lethargic attitude of government officers or personnel. The cooperation of the Anti-Corruption Bureau, local police and Revenue Department would be sought to solve cases.

Any person in the State who comes across any instance of corruption could report it to the Lokayukta in Bengaluru or the local Lokayukta police or the Lokayukta Superintendent of Police. The identity of the complainant would be kept confidential and investigation would be launched into the complaint. “We want public support for our drive against corruption,” he said.

Mr. Shetty said that he would make the Lokayukta an effective institution with its existing powers. This did not mean that the Lokayukta did not require more powers. The Lokayukta could seek the cooperation of the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) in the investigation of cases. The ACB could not refuse to cooperate with the Lokayukta, he said.

To a query, Mr. Shetty said the allegations made against him over the purchase of a site were misleading. His appointment of Lokayukta was cleared by six Constitutional authorities. “May be some forces wanted the post of Lokayukta to remain vacant,” he said.

To another query, Mr. Shetty said that he would not be dealing with cases related to Energy Minister D.K. Shivakumar and the former Minister G. Janardhan Reddy during his tenure, as he had represented them both as an advocate in the Supreme Court.