Home Minister G Parameshwara said Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) has been formed with the sole intention of preventing corruption in the state.
Speaking to mediapersons at the 125th birth anniversary programme of Architect of Indian Constitution Dr B R Ambedkar in the city on Thursday, he said the ACB is already functioning in 18 states in the country. In 12 states, it is under the control of the chief minister while in the rest, it is under the control of both the chief minister and the home minister. The ACB has come to force in Maharastra and Andhra Pradesh in 1946 and 1965 respectively, he added.
Parameshwara said when the Lokayukta was formed in 1984, there was no privilege to file cases against the corrupt. When the government gave police assistance to Lokayukta in 1991, there was no privilege for police to register cases. Hence, the government issued a new order giving more powers to Lokayukta police. With this, the police could arrest the corrupt. But, some Lokayukta used this power to conduct direct raids, only to get media coverage. In reality, Lokayukta did not have the power to conduct raids, they only had administrative control. The ACB has been formed to clear this confusion, he added.
The home minister said additional powers given to the Lokayukta police have been withdrawn and the DySP’s office has been converted to ACB office. The power to register complaint and conduct investigation has been handed over to the DySPs. This does not need anyone’s permission. The cases, where the permission is needed, is mentioned in police manual, Parameshwara said.
The ACB is formed in the leadership of a ADGP and two IGPs. SP, DySP, Circle Inspector and other staff have been provided.
Regarding the contract availed by the Chief Minister’s son towards the construction of laboratories in hospitals, the home minister said he has no proper information on the matter and he has come to know only through media. If there are any violations, action will be taken as per the law and the Chief Minister has already given a clarification to this effect.
Responding to a query, he said that the CID report regarding Social Welfare Minister H Anjaneya’s case has not yet been submitted. Once the report is submitted, the matter will be discussed in the Cabinet meeting and the report will be placed in the Legislative Assembly.
Answering to another question, he said B S Yeddyurappa becoming the State BJP head is the internal matter of that party. However, Congress believes its own ability, he added.