Karnataka Lok Ayukta to probe into misappropriation in TSS

Sirsi, Sep 28 (UNI) The Karnataka Lok Ayukta has conducted an inquiry into the alleged financial misappropriation in the prestigious Totagars' Sales Society (TSS) Ltd and a hospital run by Totagars' Seva Samiti, here for the last three days.

Talking to newspersons here, Lok Ayukta official Muttappa Raj said the inquiry was based on a complaint lodged by the TSS shareholders G G Hegde and Subramanya Bhat Kotemane, alleging financial misappropriation in the society. A detailed report would be submitted to his higher officials, he added, refusing to divulge details about the inquiry to the media.

TSS Ltd was one of the leading arecanut selling centre and back-bone of areca growers in the State. The shareholders claim that about Rs 15 to 20 crore have been misappropriated by the TSS management in recent years. District Deputy Registrar of Cooperative Societies had ordered for an inquiry into misuse of vehicles, telephones and other things on the basis of a complaint from some shareholders.

According to sources, the TSS had diverted crores of Rupees to a newly constructed hospital run by Totagars' Seva Samiti when diversion of shareholder funds to another private organisation not connected with TSS was illegal.

UNI XR RM-GD TS1743