With allegations of corruption in the office of Lokayukta flying thick and fast, the clamour for a fair probe grew on Friday. While social activist S.R. Hiremath asked Lokayukta Y. Bhaskar Rao to step aside, Karnataka State Bar Council Chairman P.P. Hegde and Aam Aadmi Party sought his resignation.
As far as the investigation is concerned, Mr. Rao should have recommended a CBI probe and go on leave to allow a free and fair investigation, Mr. Hiremath said. "I had cautioned him about the corrupt practices, but he failed to take firm steps. Despite being aware of the corruption in his institution, he did not act give the importance or sanctity to the issue it deserved." In fact, he failed to react to a report submitted by Superintendent of Police Sonia Narang in this regard, he said.
Mr. Hegde said that Mr. Rao should take moral responsibility and demit office to uphold the sanctity of the post. "Allegations about a demand for bribe by a Lokayukta official were serious and the persons involved should be booked under the Prevention of Corruption Act.” He said the council will submit a representation to Governor Vajubhai Vala to look into the allegations, and advocates will stage demonstrations seeking Mr Rao’s resignation.
AAP spokesperson Ravikrishna Reddy said, "To uphold the dignity of the institution as well as to instil confidence among people about the institution, Mr. Rao should resign and face the probe."
Reacting to the demands, Mr. Bhaskar Rao told presspersons that he is ready to resign if the probe finds him guilty.
