Karnataka Government constitutes SIT to investigate Lokayukta Scam

Karnataka Government constitutes SIT to investigate Lokayukta Scam

Justice Y Bhaskar Rao at the swearing-in cermony as Lokayukta chief

By NewsGram Staff Writer

Amidst mounting pressure by opposition parties like BJP and AAP and various social activists to order a CBI probe into graft charges against Karnataka Lokayukta Justice Y Bhaskar Rao, the state Congress Government has decided to constitute an Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the matter.

Home Minister K J George made the announcement at Belagavi after the Government received a request for probe by an Independent authority from Resistrar, Lokayukta. The SIT will be headed by Additional Director General of Police (prisons) Kamal Pant.

The Lokayukta had come under the scanner, when the alleged extortion racket had come to light in May, this year.

A government Executive Engineer had complained to Lokayukta SP Sonia Narang of the police wing, that he was being asked by a person identifying himself as Krishna Rao to pay Rs 1 crore to prevent any Lokayukta raid against him.

According to Bangalore Mirror, an investigation led by Sonia Narang has found that at least 192 government officials have been blackmailed by the bribery cartel, having people both inside and outside of Lokayukta.

The internal investigation also points to the possible involvement of Ashwin Rao, the son of Justice Bhaskar Rao and others close to him.

Following the investigation, Karnataka Bar Council and other organizations have asked for the resignation of Justice Bhaskar Rao.

However, Justice Bhaskar Rao has refused to resign stating that his son is innocent and he will await the results from the SIT probe.

Meanwhile, Survarna News, a Kannada news channel has revealed that Sonia Narang led-team is close to submitting its report and arresting those involved before SIT even begins to investigate.

Apart from Krishna Rao, the team has unearthed three more people who are allegedly involved in the extortion racket: Srinivasa Gowda, Shankare Gowda and Hotte Krishna.

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