Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Nov 17: Harikrishna Bantwal, former Congressman who recently joined the BJP, on Friday November 17 was reportedly taken to task by Karnataka Lokayukta Justice P Vishwanath Shetty for trying to file a complaint against district in-charge minister Ramanath Rai.

The Lokayukta was in the city on Friday to address a programme at Town Hall here and listen to grievances from the public.

During the programme, Harikrishna Bantwal approached the Lokayukta with a complaint against Ramanath Rai over alleged land grab.

Justice Shetty however took him to task, demanding why he had called a press meet on the issue instead of first approaching the Lokayukta to file complaint. "Is there any political motive behind this?" he questioned.

Harikrishna Bantwal denied having any political motive and said, "I have evidence against Ramanath Rai regarding this issue. All the documents are attached with the file."

Justice Shetty replied, "This is a land grab case. So automatically the district administration, that is the deputy commissioner, also becomes an accused in this matter. But in your application you have mentioned only Ramanath Rai's name. Why did you drop the names of DC and revenue department officials?"

Harikrishna Bantwal did not have an answer to this. Nevertheless, the Lokayuta accepted his complaint.

Complaint Against MCC

RTI activist Hanumanth Kamath approached the Lokayukta with a complaint against the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC), particularly against the MCC commissioner.

Kamath alleged that MCC was not showing any interest in demolishing illegal buildings which have been constructed in the city in violation of all rules. "There are a number of illegal buildings in the city and the court too has ordered their demolition. But the MCC is acting deaf and blind.

"The MCC commissioner's performance is very poor. He is not working as per government norms. He has some personal interests and is always evading his duty. He is not fit for the post," he alleged.

The Lokayukta reportedly grew annoyed at this blatant allegation. "Do not give your personal judgment on government officials. We know how to deal with them. If you have any complaint give it in writing," he told Kamath.

Kamath then accused the MCC administration of constructing a drainage at Car Street without calling for tender, to which the Lokayukta replied, "If this construction was done out of urgent need, there was no need to call for tender. Tender is not required for such small projects in case of emergency, especially in the rainy season or if it is badly affecting people's lives."

The Lokayukta also said, "The state government is planning to deploy shadow police to collect information about RTI activists. The government wants to check their background. We have noticed that a few are using the label of RTI activists to engage in blackmailing and making money. This should stop."