Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, Mar 4: In a decision having far-reaching consequences, the state cabinet, in its meeting held on Monday March 3, paved way for Lokayukta investigation against nine IAS and an IPS officer. These officials face allegations of accumulation of assets disproportionate to their known sources of income, and involvement with illegal mining. Out of the nine IAS officers, six have already retired.

After prolonged discussion in the matter, the cabinet took a decision that the special investigation team of the state Lokayukta should undertake investigations against the above officials.

V Umesh, presently working as additional chief secretary, who was earlier working as managing director of Mysore Minerals, Mahendra Jain, presently working as development commissioner in Navi Mumbai Special Economic Zone, retired IAS officers, I R Perumal, Manjunath, D S Ashwath, and G V Kongawad, will face Lokayukta investigation. The ministers, noting that Mysore Minerals Ltd had faced a loss of Rs 642 crore, felt that officials were primarily responsible for this situation.

These officials had urged the government against clearing the proposal for investigating them, pointing out that decisions taken by them were collective in nature, and never individual. Law minister, T B Jayachandra, after the cabinet meeting, said that the meeting decided to act in the matter without bowing to pressure tactics.

The meeting also decided to permit Lokayukta investigation against Babu Rao Mudabi, Dr V Chandrashekhar, Baldev Krishna, and IPS officer, D C Rajappa, who have been accused of illegally accumulating wealth.