Corrupt in Lokayukta extorted money from many IAS officers, says HDK

July 2, 2015

Belagavi, Jul 2: Corrupt elements in the office of the Karnataka Lokayukta didn’t just target low-ranking bureaucrats; they extorted money even from senior IAS officers, JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy has claimed.

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Speaking about corruption in the Lokayukta, he explained to the Legislative Assembly the modus operandi reportedly used by corrupt elements in the Lokayukta. According to Kumaraswamy, two touts—Bhaskar and Rajashekar—had befriended Ashwin Rao, the son of Lokayukta Y Bhaskar Rao. They targeted government officials as per a list made by Revenue Minister V Srinivas Prasad’s private secretary, Nagaraj. The Lokayukta’s Public Relations Officer, Syed Riyazullah, is involved too, the former chief minister suggested.

Kumaraswamy claimed that many senior IAS officers sitting in the media gallery in the Assembly had paid up. His contention prompted many Congress and BJP members to demand that he name the IAS officers. But the JD(S) leader refused to reveal the names, saying that would “embarrass” the government.

Kumaraswamy didn’t just stop at that. He went on to state that Chief Secretary Kaushik Mukherjee recently held a meeting with the principal secretary to the chief minister and other officials to discuss corruption in the Lokayukta. Many officials were transferred at this meeting, according to him. He demanded that the government disclose full details of the meeting.

BJP for CBI probe

The principal opposition party, the BJP, has demanded a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the accusations against the Lokayukta. Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, Jagadish Shettar, suggested that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) could not probe into the accusations. The Lokayukta should own moral responsibility and step down, Shettar asserted.

Chief Minister Siddharamaiah, however, turned down the demand for CBI probe, saying the government was not empowered to hand over this case to the CBI, as per section 80 of the Karnataka Lokayukta Act.

When BJP members demanded that the Lokayukta Act be amended to empower the government to order a CBI probe, Siddaramaiah said that laws could not be amended in a hurry.

According to the chief minister, Justice (retd) Rao had written to the government, stating that the matter of corruption in the ombudsman’s office be investigated by an officer of the rank of the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP). Hence, the government formed the SIT under ADGP Kamal Pant, he added.

Siddaramaiah further said that the government was planning to bring in comprehensive amendments to the Karnataka Lokayukta Act on the lines of the Lokpal. But BJP members remained unsatisfied with this reply and staged a walkout.

Speaking to the media later, Kumaraswamy said that the government had made all preparations to bury the case.

“When I raised the issue in the Legislative Assembly, the chief minister was silent. He would not have allowed me to speak, if there was no mistake on his part,” Kumaraswamy said. Nearly 20 higher officials gave money to the persons in Lokayukta institution, and probe should be conducted into this also, he added.

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News Network
April 24,2024

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With the Karnataka transport department extending the deadline for the installation of High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) twice--- in November last year and February, it is no longer planning to extend the same. The department ordered for the installation of HSRP before May 31.

The transport department through a notification in August last year, had mandated the installation on all the vehicles that were registered in the state prior to April 1, 2019. According to transport officials, there are nearly two crore vehicles that are supposed to get HSRP for their vehicles.

“As of now, the state has registered only 34 lakh HSRP installations, despite extending the deadline twice. From nearly 18 lakh installations since February, the numbers have almost doubled. However, there are still a large number of vehicles that have to opt for HSRP,” said C Mallikarjuna, Additional Commissioner for Transport (Enforcement).

“We will wait till May 31 to check for the total number of vehicles that fall in line. We are expecting HSRP installations to touch 75 lakh, after which we will consider an extension as the numbers indicate that people are falling in line and if some more time is given everyone will get it done. However, if we do not reach that number before the deadline, we will request the government not to extend the deadline but urge for an enforcement,” he said.

He also stated that a fine of Rs 500 will be imposed for the first time and if vehicle owners do not fall in line, it will be Rs 1,000 later until they have installed HSRP. “We will wait till the Model Code of Conduct ends and take the government’s opinion. We are going to request the government for strict enforcement if the HSRP installations are not satisfactory,” he added.

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News Network
April 13,2024

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Mangaluru: After as the state health ministry issued guidelines to the public in view of a heatwave, the health department in Dakshina Kannada has advised people to be cautious about the impact of heatstroke, including heat rash, heat edema, heat cramps, heat tetany, heat syncope, and heat exhaustion.

Dakshina Kannada district nodal officer for climate change, Dr Naveenchandra Kulal, said that the impact of heat-related illness can also be found in the district, when there is a variation of about 4.5⁰C from the normal temperature.

Dr Kulal told media persons here on Friday, that the impact of heat-related illness is not confined to Raichur, Kalaburagi, and other North Karnataka districts.

“Those who reside inside tin sheet houses and closed environments are likely to suffer from heatstroke. People should hydrate themselves by drinking more water and avoid working under the direct Sun. Heat exhaust fans can be used. Though no heatstroke cases have been reported in the district, any negligence may cause heatstroke,” he said. 

DHO Dr Thimmaiah HR said that hotels and restaurants should supply boiled water, and they should clean the overhead tanks once every three months. The filter of drinking water units should be cleaned frequently, he said.

He also directed paying guest accommodations to supply fresh food to inmates.

“We have received complaints of many paying guest accommodations serving sambar cooked the previous day to inmates. Stale food should be avoided, as there are chances of food contamination. Plastics should be avoided while packing food in hotels. As per the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) guidelines, the use of plastic to pack hot food is restricted,” the DHO said.

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April 22,2024

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Mangaluru: BJP candidate in Dakshina Kannada Capt Brijesh Chowta has received a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi wishing him victory in the election.

In the letter, which the BJP shared with the media, the PM has lauded Chowta’s exceptional services in the armed forces as a part of the Gorkha regiment, especially in counter-insurgency operations. Modi also has mentioned about Chowta’s efforts as an organiser of the Mangaluru Lit Fest and his dedication to preserve the cultural heritage of the region.

“I am certain that you will immensely contribute towards the welfare of people and the region of Dakshina Kannada. Through this letter, I would like to tell the people of your constituency that this is not an ordinary election. Families across India, especially the senior members, would remember the difficulties they have gone through in the last five to six decades. In the last 10 years, the quality of life of every section of society has improved, with many of these troubles removed. Yet, a lot more is still to be done and this election will be decisive in our mission to ensure a better life for everyone,” reads the letter. 

“Your exceptional service in the armed forces as a part of the Gorkha regiment, especially in counter-insurgency operations, is commendable. Additionally, your efforts as an organiser of the Mangaluru Lit Fest demonstrate your dedication to preserving the cultural heritage of the region. I am certain that you will immensely contribute towards the welfare of people and the region of Dakshin Kannada”

“With the blessings of the people, I am confident that you will reach the Parliament. Team members like you are a great asset for me. As a team, we will leave no stone unturned for the welfare of the people of your constituency and the country. Through this letter, I would like to tell the people of your constituency that this is not an ordinary election. Families across India, especially the senior members, would remember the difficulties they have gone through in the last 5-6 decades. In the last 10 years, the quality of life of every section of society has improved, with many of these troubles removed. Yet, a lot more is still to be done and this election will be decisive in our mission to ensure a better life for everyone.

“This election is an opportunity to connect our present with a bright future. Every vote that the BJP gets will go towards forming a stable government and impart momentum in our journey to become a developed nation by 2047. The people of India themselves have made up their minds to support this vision and are leading the way in this election. I am aware that the summer heat poses problems to everyone. But this election is extremely important for the future of our nation. I appeal to the voters to cast their votes early in the morning, before the heat sets in.

“It is important that our workers motivate people to go out and vote in large numbers. Focus on winning the booth. Victory in every booth leads to success in the constituency. At the same time, I request workers of our party to take care of their health and that of other people around them. As a candidate of the BJP, I urge you to convey my assurance to each voter that every moment of my time is dedicated to the welfare of my fellow citizens. I send you my wishes for your victory in the election,” stated PM Modi in the letter.

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