IAS officer M N Vijayakumar, who was transferred seven times in ten months and appointed CADA Administrator in Belgaum on Monday, is again in the news. This time, he has conducted a ‘sting operation’ against his boss, Chief Secretary P B Mahishi.

On Tuesday, Vijayakumar’s wife J N Jayashree submitted a CD to Lokayukta, which is about the alleged conversation between Vijayakumar and Mahishi.

Graft charges

Vijayakumar allegedly talks to Mahishi on corruption in energy department to the tune of Rs 344 crore. In reply, Mahishi allegedly suggests he concentrate on his work as Mysore Lamps managing director instead of inquiring into other departments.

Jayashree later handed over a copy of the CD to reporters. She said she was forced to do so following seventh transfer of her husband. She said it was necessary to make it clear Vijayakumar was fighting a battle against the head of bureaucracy and it could not be taken lightly. She said she had submitted all evidence to the Lokayukta.

When contacted, Mahishi said, “Let him do whatever he can. If he has conducted a sting operation against me, we will take appropriate action against him.” On meeting Vijayakumar, Mahishi said they met sometime ago for 15 minutes. “I have to see my diary when I met him last time, but he sat with me only for 15 minutes. But we will take appropriate action against him.”

‘Revelations’

Chief Secretary: If you want the Rs 344-crore scam or Rs 600-crore scam, complain to the Lokayukta or other people who are there to (unclear) ...

M N Vijayakumar: Sorry, I have taken it up as an officer.

CS: NO, as an officer...

MNV: No, I have taken oath that I will work with absolute integrity.

CS: Pardon

MNV: I have taken oath that I will work with absolute integrity.

CS: No, fair enough, but you can’t say...

MNV: Absolute integrity is integrity irrespective of where I work. It is not only restricted to Mysore Lamps. Wherever I am, I am supposed to do... I cannot keep quiet about it. If I see something, I have to tell.

CS: But you can’t investigate, you tell Lokayukta.

MNV: I cannot investigate but I can always report to you.

CS: Yes, but you report to Lokayukta.

MNV: No, first I have to report to you but if you refuse to take action, then I will have to report to Lokayukta.

CS: You have written a letter to Lokayukta that Chief Secretary hasn’t taken any action on matters.

MNV: Yes.

CS: Ok. fair enough... you write to the Lokayukta that the Chief Secretary has not taken any action and  has
been shielding the corrupt... all officers you can write... I want to advise you you’re bound by the code of conduct. You can’t investigate and call for the records of other officers... so please do not....