Lokayukta was aware of extortion ring, claims Hiremath

Lokayukta Y. Bhaskar Rao was aware of the alleged extortion ring being run by his relative in the Lokayukta office since at least March 2015, claims social activist S.R. Hiremath. Tipped off by a senior Lokayukta official about the corruption and involvement of Mr. Rao’s relative in March, Mr. Hiremath claimed he had a one-to-one meeting with him where he alerted Mr. Rao of the misuse of his office.

“I had brought to the Lokayukta’s notice that a close relative was misusing his official residence and his office to extort money from government officials. It did not come as a surprise to him. He said he had disowned the person and had nothing to do with him. When I insisted that he take corrective measures to preserve the credibility of the institution, he said he will look into the matter. But from what has come out now, it is evident that no corrective measures were taken,” Mr. Hiremath said.

Mr. Rao was not available for comment.

I had brought to

Mr. Rao’s notice that his relative was misusing his office. But no corrective measures were taken

S.R. Hiremath,Social activist