Katta can be arrested for not co-operating, says Justice Hegde

Replying to questions from reporters on Friday, Hegde said the police have registered a criminal case against Katta. Mere registration of case does not mean a person should be arrested immediately.

“We will definitely arrest him if he tries to abscond, prevent the inquiry process, threatens or intimidates witnesses, destroys evidences and fails to co-operate with the Lokayukta police. Katta can be taken into custody for the purpose of custodial interrogation,” he said.

On Katta’s resignation, Hegde said: “Tendering resignation is not the way to wash off sins. An inquiry should take place and it will continue.”

CS’s letter

Chief Secretary S V Ranganath has written to the Lokayukta seeking his suggestion to rectify the mistake committed by the government while ordering a judicial probe into matters which are already being probed by the Lokayukta.

This letter is response to the Lokayukta’s letter expressing his disappointment over the government’s order for judicial probe.

The Lokayukta had begun investigation into denotification of land acquired by KIADB, allotment of BDA sites and other related matters with respect to various complaints including one filed by JD(S) leader YSV Datta.

The government ordered for a judicial probe into the same issues without consulting the Lokayukta, which was mandatory as per the provisions of the Lokayukta Act.