Lokayukta officials under threat, Hegde promises safety

Bangalore, Jul 21: Ahead of the submission of the controversial Lokayukta report on the mining scam in Karnataka, Lokayukta Justice N Santosh Hegde said that the safety of the officials looking into the mining scam will be ensured.

The much awaited Lokayaukta report was leaked before hand and it came as a surprise to many when Chief Minister, Karnataka BS Yeddyurappa's name was listed in the 1,827 crore mining scam.

After the report was revealed, BJP leaders along with party spokesperson N Dhanajay Kumar approached Santosh Hegde asking him to spare the CM in his second report on the same issue.

"When Singh, who was spearheading the mining report was attacked by a local corporator over a trivial issue, other officials facing threats from influential and powerful people in the state have much more to fear," said Hegde expressing his concern over the safety of his officials and targeting Dr UV Singh, Director(Vigilance) .

Talking about forest officials Biswajit, Bipin Kumar and Uday Kumar who worked hard on the mining case, he said that these officials were the targets.

"I do not want them to face any hardship after my term, hence I am consulting the police department to access the threat perception and take necessary action to protect their interest," he said.

The report which was due on Jul 23, will not be submitted to deadline.

"I have never mentioned about the date, but think that the media had guessed. It is not possible to submit it on July 23 and it may take some more time. However, I can assure you that the report would be submitted before my retirement," said Hegde, who will leave the office on Aug 3.

It was earlier reported that the second and final report by the Lokayukta on the illegal mining scam was going to be deadly and most damaging to major political figures in the state. This longest standing scam in the country was probed by the Lokayukta and the final report was expected to come out in August. The report will also have inputs from the CBI and Income Tax department who have made extensive investigation into the case.

OneIndia News