Two Karnataka Ministers found guilty in not filing asset statements

Bangalore, May 11 (UNI) Karnataka Lokayukta Justice N Santosh Hegde today sent a report to Chief Minister seeking action against the two Ministers, belonging to Janata Dal(S), who were guilty of not filing their statements on assets and liabilities in time.

Justice Hegde said in a release here that he was acting on the complaint of former minister S K Kantha and sent the report Mr Kumaraswamy.

The two ministers had failed to submit the details of their assets details even after the April 28 dead line ended. They had appeared before the Lok Ayukta after submitting the details two day's late. The Judge had said that he would initiate action as per the law.

The Lok Ayukta said Minister for Youth Services Hanumantha Y Alkod and Minister for Agriculture Marketing Mr Sharanabasappa Gouda Darshanapur were found guilty of not submitting their statements of assets and liabilities.

Acting upon Mr Kantha's complaint Justice Hegde had given an opportunity to the two ministers offering their comments and also heard the arguments of their counsels on the matter. However, he found the allegations were true and sent report to the Karnataka Chief Minister.

The Lok Ayuka made recommendations for action under Section 12(3) and 13(1) of the Karnataka Lokayukta act which empowers the Chief Minister to take action against offending public servant.

Speaking to UNI Mr S K Kantha, welcomed the action of the Lok Ayukta and said that this showed that no-one was above the law.

With Karnataka Lokayukta sending the report to Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy along with recommendations under section 13(1) of the Karnataka Lokyukta Act both the ministers Mr Hanumanthappa Y Alkod and Mr S B Darshanapur may have to bow out of their offices.

Mr Darshanapur, reacting to the report, pleaded innocence and said that he would abide by the Chief Minsiter's decision.

UNI