Senior Karnataka Administrative Service (KAS) officer K. Mathai alleged that the Lokayukta had “advised” him to withdraw the complaint that he had filed against his seniors over alleged harassment in the workplace.
Mr. Mathai, working as Administrative Officer-cum-Under Secretary to government, DPAR (AR) Sakala Mission, claimed that instead of issuing notice to the officials and conducting a probe, the Lokayukta had summoned him to the office on October 23 and asked him to withdraw the complaint.
Complaint scrutinised
Mr. Mathai alleged that Lokayukta P. Vishwanatha Shetty had said he would reject the complaint if not withdrawn.
Meanwhile, sources in the Lokayukta said the complaint filed by Mr. Mathai was scrutinised by a judicial officer who gave the opinion that it was not strong enough, based on which the order was made to reject the complaint.
“Since there is no substance, the respondents have not been issued notice. Mr. Mathai was called and consulted before passing an order as per the discretion of the Lokayukta,” said the source.
Mr. Shetty, when contacted, refused to comment on the issue.
