Bengaluru, Jul 12 (DHNS): Former Lokayukta Justice N Santhosh Hegde has said that the State government had been assisting Lokayukta Justice N Bhaskar Rao in his efforts to save his (Rao’s) son.
“First, Justice Rao writes to the State government requesting to set up any independent agency for the probe. The next day he writes another letter requesting the government to constitute an SIT. The State government immediately constitutes the SIT. Why didn't the government hand over the case to CBI? The death of IAS officer D K Ravi, lottery case and even cricket betting case may also be handed over to CBI but not this case. I would say demand of bribe from Justice Rao's son right next to his father's chamber is a matter of grave concern and he must resign immediately,'' Justice Hegde said. He was addressing a press meet at Legislators’ Home here on Saturday.
Freedom fighter H S Doreswamy said that he was ready to go to prison in the protest demanding the resignation of Lokayukta Justice Y Bhaskar Rao. He said Justice Rao was using his clout as the Lokayukta only to protect his son Y Ashwin who faces cases in Andhra Pradesh.
“There are so many allegations against Justice Rao's son. He has got a case of cheating and forgery relating to land grabbing in Andhra Pradesh. Now, Bengaluru Urban DC says Ashwin interfered in land encroachment drives taken up by the district administration. The whole State is demanding for his resignation, but Justice Rao is sticking on to his post. In the coming days, civil society will attempt to unseat him and I will be supporting anyone who attempts this. I am ready to go to jail if such a protest is required,'' Doreswamy said.
Lokayukta police have handed over the FIR, registered against Y Ashwin, and other related documents to Special Investigating Team (SIT). Prasanna V Raju, the Investigating Officer at the Lokayukta police who registered the FIR (56/2015), handed over the case details to SP (SIT) Labhu Ram.
“A detailed note on the case details and evidence collected so far during the investigation have been submitted to the SIT. These materials include the FIR registered on July 1, statements filed by public servants and also the electronic evidence,'' an official said.