Karnataka - Mysore   

DSS demands probe into alleged misuse of funds

— PHOTO: M.A. SRIRAM

Protest: Members of the district unit of the DSS staging a dharna in Mysore on Wednesday.

MYSORE: Members of the district unit of the Dalit Sangharsh Samiti (DSS) staged a dharna in front of the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Development Corporation office in Lakshmipuram on Wednesday, urging Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa to launch a probe into the alleged embezzlement of funds by the district head of the corporation.

The protesters demanded the suspension of the district head, who, according to them, had amassed wealth disproportionate to his income by misusing funds meant for the welfare of Dalits, and the seizure of his “illegal” assets. They also pressed the Government to waive loans taken by Dalits and initiate action under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Addressing the protesters, the district convener of the DSS, Bettaiah Kote, alleged that the district head was harassing Dalits while extending benefits of the corporation such as sinking of borewells, allotting agricultural land, providing finance for the purchase of autorikshaws and cows.

Mr. Bettaiah Kote accused the official of misusing funds sanctioned for sinking borewells by exploiting “illiterate” farmers. Giving the names of beneficiaries, who had allegedly been cheated by officials of the corporation, he urged the Government to inquire into the affairs of the corporation and provide justice to Dalits. He threatened to lay siege to the corporation office in case of failure to initiate action against the erring officials.

In another development, the Karnataka Rajya Dalit Sangharsh Samiti (KSRDSS) has urged the Government to order a probe into the mysterious disappearance of Sujatha (35) a resident of Kalyanagiri in Mysore city.

According to a press release issued by the district convener of KSRDSS, Rajashekar Kote, on Wednesday, Sujatha, who was working with a private company, disappeared eight days ago. Mr. Rajashekar Kote alleged that she had been sexually harassed for the past six months.

Though a case had been registered at Devaraj Urs Police station, no efforts had been made by the police authorities to trace Sujatha. The Government should order a probe into the matter and the accused should be subjected to narco-analysis, he said.

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