Yelahanka MLA seeks anticipatory bail

Yelahanka MLA S R Vishwanath has approached the Special Lokayukta Court seeking anticipatory bail. The BJP MLA is under investigation in relation to a private complaint filed in the Special Lokayukta Court about illegal granting of government land to a private person, who later sold it to close relatives of Vishwanath.

Vishwanath’s bail application came soon after the Lokayukta police arrested IAS officer M K Aiyappa and three other government officials in relation to the same case. Aiyappa and others were granted bail by the Court on Saturday, three days after they were placed under arrest.

The Lokayukta Court on Monday directed the Lokayukta police to file objections to the bail plea. The government land in contention measuring 32 acres and 4 guntas in Yelahanka is said to have been purchased by two nephews of Vishwanath and three close aides.

Another case had been registered against Vishwanath earlier, for possession of assets disproportionate to his income and the Lokayukta police had recommended a charge sheet, but Speaker K G Bopaiah rejected the sanction for Vishwanath’s prosecution.