Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, Jun 26: Karnataka State Bar Council chairman Padma Prasad Hegde (P P Hegde) on Friday June 26 demanded the resignation of state Lokayukta Justice Bhaskar Rao on serious allegation of corruption.

The demand comes in the wake of allegations that Krishna Rao, said to be a 'secretary' to Lokayukta Justice Rao, had called a government official to the Lokayukta's residence and later to a star hotel and demanded a bribe of Rs one crore to settle cases against him.

Addressing a press meet here, P P Hegde said, "If he continues to be the Lokayukta, people will lose faith in the office of Lokayukta. Lawyers should not allow an insult to the position of Lokayukta. Bhaskar Rao should resign from his office immediately. If he does not resign, then lawyers along with public will hold protests throughout the state."

He also said that reports have been widely published against Karnataka Lokayukta that officials in his office are involved in demanding and accepting bribe.

"A few individuals with proof came out in the public alleging that he was involved in corruption. Superintendent of police of Lokayukta, Bengaluru, Sonia Naran, has forwarded a written letter to the Lokayukta registrar alleging that there was corruption in Lokayukta office. Hence, there should be a proper probe into the matter. In a recent case, people alleged that Lokayukta's secretary, Krishna Rao was demanding money from public servants at the residence of the Lokayukta.

"The victim himself came to the media and the public stating that Krishna Rao had demanded Rs one crore from Krishnamurthy (urban executive engineer) at Lokayukta's official residence on April 21, which was a government holiday for Basava Jayanti, and later he also met him on April 25 in Star Hotel at Race Course road and demanded for Rs 50 lac," Hegde said.

"As a lawyer and chairman of Karnataka State Bar Council, we took serious note of the allegation and learnt that at the residence of Lokayukta, his close associates and secretary demand for lacs and crores of rupees from public servants. This allegation has been published in media. These are serious allegations of corruption and yet the Lokayukta has remained silent. What is the necessity to call public servants to Lokayukta's residence? How were they called? Why was there a phone contact between Krishna Rao and Krishnamurthy? We also believe that there are CCTVs at the residence and the office. Are they in working condition, or have they been put off? There is also CCTV footage of Race Course road hotel. All these show a direct allegation of corruption," he said.

"Under the Prevention of Corruption Act Sections 7 and 13, involving in corruption and extortion is a serious offence. If the office of the Lokayukta secretary or Lokayukta himself directly or indirectly demand money, then it is an offence. There is a provision to file case against the Lokayukta. Even the Lokayukta comes under the purview of Prevention of Corruption Act. Though Sonia Naran has written letter, why has probe not been ordered? When there is allegation of corruption and harassment for money, why no case has been filed? Silence without making any public statements has given a rise for suspicion.

"A powerful body like Lokayukta is now facing allegations of corruption and this is really painful to lawyers and the public. The advocate community will not be silent. Why has he (Justice Bhaskar Rao) not taken any action against Krishna Rao? Is he protecting the corrupt?" Hegde questioned.

"We have suspicions and are unhappy about the functioning of the present Lokayukta Y Bhaskar Rao. Hence continuing in the office as Lokayukta is against the pride of place that the position enjoys. State Bar Council strongly condemns the misconduct on the part of the Lokayukta office and demands this case to be handed over to the CBI. An FIR should be registered immediately on the basis of media reports and I also request the state and the union governments to look into the matter seriously. Lokayukta is a constitutional body, hence when there is irregularities in the functioning, there is a provision of registering a case. The person who has been accused of corruption should be arrested and a probe must be conducted. Anti-corruption forums should take up this issue in the state and the taluk bar council and district bar council should support this cause. If Bhaskar Rao either directly or indirectly is involved in corruption, FIR should be filed against him," he asserted.

He also said that the State Bar Council will bring this matter to the notice of the governor. Under the Lokayukta Act, the Lokayukta cannot be directly removed from the position but can be removed only through impeachment. "Representatives have the right to protect the people," he concluded.