The Karnataka Lokayukta on Saturday set in motion the process to initiate criminal proceedings against former Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurpapa for his alleged role in illegal mining.
Lokayukta Shivraj Patil ordered investigations into chapter 22 of the Lokayukta report on illegal mining in which Mr. Yeddyurappa has been indicted. The chapter related to financial transactions between a mining company and a trust owned and managed by Mr. Yeddyurappa’s family members in Shimoga.
Mr. Patil directed Lokayukta Police ADGP A.G. Gaonkar to conduct the probe into the matter, marking the commencement of follow-up action on the report, presented by his predecessor Santosh Hegde, in accordance with Governor H.R. Bhardwaj’s directive to initiate criminal proceedings against Mr. Yeddyurppa.
He has forwarded the copy of the Governor’s order to the Lokayukta police and directed it to “proceed in the matter in accordance with the law”.
Mr. Hegde submitted a voluminous report on illegal mining on July 27 and the Governor on August 3 asked the Lokayukta to initiate criminal proceedings against Mr. Yeddyurappa.
Mr. Hegde in his report has recommended for action against Mr. Yeddyurappa and others under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Mr. Yeddyurpapa, who resigned as Chief Minister in the wake of his indictment, has challenged the Lokayukta report in the High Court stating the recommendations against him were beyond the scope of terms of reference set for the probe and prayed for quashing Chapter 22 of the report.
