Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Nov 29: Former Lokayukta of Karnataka, Justice Y Bhaskar Rao became the first ever Lokayukta from Karnataka to appear in court relating to a case filed against him. Rao is facing the allegation of helping his son, Ashwin Rao, to misuse Lokayukta institution to practice corruption by threatening officers of investigation.

On Monday November 29, Justice Rao appeared before the Lokayukta special court located at Mayo Hall premises here, and secured interim anticipatory bail in the case. Judge of the court, D T Devendran, granted the request made by the former Lokayukta to grant him interim bail.

Justice Rao was expected to appear in court on November 30, but he came to the court two days earlier as he said he has to perform rites connected with death anniversary of his mother on Wednesday. The bail was granted on furnishing of bond for one lac rupees and surety from a person. The court also directed special public prosecutor, Ashok Nayak, to file objections if any for the bail in the court on November 30. A lady, Mary Helen, offered surety for the bail. Mary said she happens to be a relative of a domestic servant of Bhaskar Rao's home. The judge told her that she will have to be present in the court as and when necessary.

In the past, Justice Bhaskar Rao had approached the high court seeking quashing of charge sheet filed by policemen of special investigating team that went into the corruption scandal involving Lokayukta institution. The high court had dismissed his petition and directed him to appear before the Lokayukta court to face trial.