KPSC scam: Judge recuses from hearing bail plea

A judge of the High Court of Karnataka has recused from hearing the bail plea of Gonal Bhimappa, the former chairperson of Karnataka Public Service Commission, in connection with the recruitment scam.

During the hearing on Wednesday, Justice H N Nagmohan Das refused to hear the matter stating that he had shared the dais with the petitioner in a function.

Meanwhile, the State government in its objection, opposed bail to Bhimappa saying that he had sold the gazetted posts for a huge sum of money. Opposing the application seeking extension of the advance bail, State Public Prosecutor S Dore Raju submitted that the bail was granted to allow Bhimappa attend his daughter’s wedding.

He stated that bail should not be extended since the wedding was over.

 Raju pointed out that the petitioner, being a retired IAS officer could tamper with witnesses if released on bail.

Justice Das said that the matter should be heard by another bench and directed the High Court registry to place the matter before Chief Justice so that it can be placed before an appropriate bench for hearing.

CID raids houses of 8 officials

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID), on Wednesday, raided houses of eight KPSC officials including that of former chairperson Gonal Bheemappa, accused of irregularities in the KPSC recruitment. Acting on a complaint filed by the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms, the CID raided houses of 11 accused.

According to sources, over 15 computers, 11 laptops, tablet computers, valuable documents and several mobile phones were seized during the two-hour raid.