SIT playing into the hands of govt: Hiremath

Social activist S R Hiremath on Monday said that the Special Investigating Team (SIT), probing the corruption and extortion scam in Lokayukta, is playing into the hands of the State government.

He said despite registering cases of extortion that has taken place at the official residence of Lokayukta, the SIT is not arresting Lokayukta Justice Y Bhaskar Rao. Justice Rao has been extending leaves in consultation with the State government.

“The Jana Sangram Parishath urges the constitutional functionaries to restore the dignity and sanctity of the Lokayukta institution. We seriously question as to why the SIT is playing into the hands of the government and not arresting Lokayukta Justice Y Bhaskar Rao. Why is it that SIT not holding Lokayukta Justice Rao accountable for his illegalities, irregularities and improprieties even though powers are there both under Prevention of Corruption act and IPC,” he said.

Hiremath said Justice Rao’s extension of leave confirms that he wants to protect his son. “There is an urgent need to bring effective pressure on all concerned, especially on corrupt elements in the government. The father-and-son duo, Bhaskar Rao and Y Ashwin, are out to protect each other. When media was writing about the involvement of his son in the extortion racket, Justice Rao denied reports and said he would resign if these allegations are proved. His extension of leave till September 30 again proves that he has ulterior motives. On the other hand, the SIT is acting like a parrot in the cage of the government,” he said.

Jana Sangram Parishath (JSP) is again sending details of the allegations against High Court judge K L Manjunath to several constitutional functionaries. “Recently, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said he was not aware of allegations against Justice Manjunath. We will send the whole set of documents, sent to the Governor and Chief Justice of India, to chief minister, speaker of the Legislative Assembly, chairman of Legislative Council and Opposition leaders, so that they are well informed about the allegations, along with the documents,” Hiremath said.