JOIN USLetter to acting CJ seeks probe against officer
Social activist Ganesh S Kaundinya has written to the High Court acting Chief Justice S K Mukherjee to initiate an inquiry against Deputy Director of Land Records Raja Naik.
This comes close on the heels of a High Court judge saying that he has in his possession a CD containing details of irregularities to the tune of Rs 100 crore by Naik. Justice Rammohan Reddy had told Additional Advocate General (AAG) A S Ponnanna in the open court that some members of the public had handed him over a CD about the ‘podi’ irregularities by Naik in Bengaluru. The observation was made on October 28, 2015, during the hearing of a revenue matter.
The letter, written to the acting Chief Justice on November 19, has requested that the matter be handed over to the Lokayukta police along with the CD for probe.
“According to press reports, the AAG requested Justice Reddy to hand over the CD to the government for further investigation. However, Justice Reddy has said that he would release the contents of the said CD after his retirement. It is surprising that Justice Reddy, with an intention only known to him, has chosen to take a stand not to part with such an important evidence to the concerned authorities, immediately after it reached him, to enable the investigation to begin,” the letter says.
Cases of corruption
Naik’s name has also surfaced in the cases of corruption within the Lokayukta institution. Sources said Naik was in touch with V Bhaskar alias ‘420’ Bhaskar, one of the prime accused presently in judicial custody. On February 5, 2015, Bhaskar had made seven calls to Naik on his mobile phone number. The letter says that at a time when investigation into corruption within the Lokayukta is going on, the CD on Naik should be handed over to the investigating agency.
“At a time when the State has been experiencing unprecedented corruption at all levels, including the issue of corruption in the institution of Lokayukta, such an important evidence with Justice Reddy may go a long way in unearthing the scam in the Revenue department.”
This apart, there have been various recommendations by authorities against Naik since 2012. However, no action has been initiated.
One of the main allegations was that he did not follow High Court directions in regard to ‘podi’ entries. It emerged that in 2012, V Ponnuraj, the then Commissioner of Land Survey, Revenue Management and Land Records, had written to the Principal Secretary, recommending action against Naik. On February 23, 2015, the Upalokayukta sent a report to the present Principal Secretary Basavaraju against Naik, recommending action.