Pic: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru(ANK)
Mangaluru, Sep 18: Taking a dig at the state government, with regard to the bribe issue at Mangaluru Taluk Panchayat, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel alleged that the Karnataka government might also get a share from the bribes collected.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, September 18, Kateel said, “taluk panchayat executive official openly agreed on accepting bribes to be paid to the finance department to clear the files and to release budget funds. Since the finance department directly comes under chief minister, state government might get its share too.”
“We demand investigation in this bribery case. Chief Minister is silent as he is afraid he might lose his power. The state government has no right to continue its rule. A special investigation team must be formed in this regard. I feel these officials are agents of government to collect money,” Kateel lashed out.
Mangaluru North MLA Dr Bharath Y Shetty demanded, "stringent action should be taken against the official without any political interference.”
On September 17, Zilla Panchayat CEO Dr M R Ravi issued notice against taluk panchayat executive official Sadanand seeking his written explanation within 24 hours.
On September 15, taluk panchayat executive official Sadanand had admitted on demanding bribe from a panchayat development officer (PDO) to clear some files.
After hearing about the incident, Mangaluru North MLA Dr Bharath Shetty had visited the taluk panchayat office and took the official to task. Sadananda said that he was compelled to accept bribe as he has to pay to the finance department to get the work done. He alleged that the finance department demands money to release the budget funds too.