Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (SP)

Kundapur, May 28: The state Lokayukta has instructed Mangalore Lokayukta to conduct investigation into the affairs of Karnataka Power Lifting Association. Accordingly, the Lokayukta unit in Mangalore will be taking up the investigation from May 29 onwards, it is learnt.

Karnataka Power Lifting Association had denied 11 power lifters working in the department of police, Mangalore, an opportunity to compete in events for a period of three years. The investigation will take up the complaint about spoiling the future of these power lifters with this action, filed by Ganesh Naik, member of Udupi District RTI Activists Union.

Six power lifers from police department had travelled to Jamshedpur by a single train after obtaining departmental permission to take part in the National Power Lifting Championship held there on March 10, 2010. When they reached the venue, they were sent out on the premise that they had not informed the secretary of Karnataka Power Lifting Association’s secretary in advance.

“International power lifter, Akram Basha, was debarred from taking part in events for a period of six months. But, even after three years, he continues to be kept away from championships and therefore, is facing injustice. The secretary of the association has failed to convene annual general body meetings for the last 17 years. For a sum of Rs 2.57 lac grant availed from the Sports Authority between 1994 and 1997, accounts have not been provided. The association has asked the sportspersons to remit Rs 20,000 per head, although this move does not have the approval of the national level organization,” Nayak had said in his complaint filed on March 9 this year.