The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Is the Government serious about curbing corruption?

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Saturday, Jul 04, 2009
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Is the Government serious about curbing corruption?

Raghava M.

We are not allowed to prosecute officials: Lokayukta

The Chief Minister recently warned corrupt and inefficient officials
Government should strengthen our hands in tackling corruption: Lokayukta

BANGALORE: Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa recently said that corrupt and inefficient officials would face action. But looking at the way the Government was dragging its feet in giving permission to the Lokayukta to book trapped officials, doubts have arisen whether the Government is really serious in tackling graft.

The Yeddyurappa dispensation, continuing the practice of earlier governments, is delaying giving permission to the Lokayukta police to prosecute officials booked for possessing assets disproportionate to their known sources of income, and those caught accepting money.

This exclusive wing for booking cases of corruption continues to be short-staffed; while personnel deputed here face victimisation when they return to their parent departments.

Under Section 19 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, it is mandatory for the Government to permit the Lokayukta police to take action and file charges against the accused.

As of date, the Yeddyurappa Government has not given permission to prosecute 14 officials accused of possessing assets disproportionate to their known sources of income. “We are not being allowed to proceed and prosecute the officers,” said Lokayukta N. Santosh Hegde while expressing his opposition to Section 19.

The longest-pending case is against Devandra Babu, Commercial Tax inspector, who was accused of possessing disproportionate assets worth Rs. 1.5 crore in August 2005.

“We have been repeatedly writing seeking permission. The latest was sent in August 2008. We are awaiting the Government’s response,” said a Lokayukta police officer.

The other pending cases include those registered against Deputy Superintendent of Police N. Krishnappa and inspector Mir Arif Ali booked in 2006, and against Motor Vehicle Inspector Lakshman and Technical Assistant to Dharwad Deputy Commissioner Hanumappa booked in 2007.

In cases against officers who were trapped accepting bribe, the State Government was yet to give permission in at least 70 cases booked last year.

This delay has affected taking cases to their logical end. “Such long gaps earlier led to complainants and the witnesses turning hostile, which resulted in acquittal. In cases where there is a malafide intention in witnesses turning hostile, we have recommended disciplinary action against them, most of whom are government servants. The Government has not responded to our wish to act against such witnesses,” said Additional Director-General of Police (Lokayukta) Rupak Kumar Dutta.

Concern

Mr. Hegde expressed concern over the pressure faced by policemen deputed to the Lokayukta.

“Accused officers are filing criminal cases against our police officers charging them with booking false cases,” he said.

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