Never shielded CM: Lokayukta

During a question-answer session at the RV Dental College, JP Nagar, a student asked Hegde why he was submitting his report now and not earlier, the Lokayukta said one of the reasons for the delay was the government’s nod.

He said there were three agencies — Income Tax, the CBI and the CEC — simultaneously investigating illegal mining in Bellary, Tumkur and Chitradurga, and much time was lost in collating documents for accuracy in the report.

“We had to go through four  lakh account entries. Surely, delay has happened, but we are working day and night to give our final report,” said Hegde.

The Lokayukta added he had given his conclusions and recommendations in the report.

Urging people not to question his integrity, he told them not to jump to conclusions.

When a student asked what was preventing him from impleading a corrupt chief minister despite having strong evidences against him, the Lokayukta said there were already cases in progress in various courts against the chief minister and that he never hesitated to initiate action against corrupt people.

“I took action against a sitting minister and a sitting MLA. There is no difficulty to bring to book the chief minister too,” said Hegde. He said half of the total wealth stashed away in Swiss banks belonged to Indians.

He said he never expected the black money would ever be brought back to India.

Finally, govt fulfils Lokayukta’s demands

Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde got some of his simple demands fulfilled just two weeks before his retirement.

He had been writing to the government for basic infrastructure facilities and to treat Lokayukta office on a par with the regular police department. As yet another effort, he wrote to the Government three days ago. Home Minister R Ashoka, who met Santosh Hegde on Tuesday, said they discussed issues related to equipment, vehicles, expenditure and personnel for the institution. “He (Santosh Hegde) had requested the Home Department to treat the Lokayukta police on a par with the regular police force,” he said. Santosh Hegde had demanded 30 vehicles, the government has sanctioned 15 vehicles, Ashoka said.

Besides, the investigation expenditure of Rs 3,000 will be extended as when an investigation is taken up, on demand by the Lokayukta.