Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Sep 14: Speaking to reporters on his visit to the city on Monday September 13, state Lokayukta, Justice N Santosh Hegde, said he has no objections or reservations whatsoever about the appointment of a second Upa Lokayukta. At the same time, he hastened to add that his second deputy, once appointed, should not get involved with the ongoing investigation into illegal mining in the state.

Justice Hegde was on a private visit to the city. He explained, that he and his team are already looking into all aspects of illegal mining, and that intervention of any third person or institution is not warranted, especially since the issue is highly sensitive.

“I have already exhorted the state government to post additional staff to the Lokayukta, and a few police officials are being appointed. The state director general of police has concurred with our request to appoint a few policemen to the Lokayukta for conducting investigation into illegal mining by lending their services to us,” he added. He expressed the confidence that the government will accede to his request for providing some supplementary staff for the smooth functioning of the Lokayukta.

Justice Santosh Hegde replied in the negative when questioned about the possibility of the Lokayukta undertaking investigation suo motu into the recruitment scam in Hassan medical college. He however, added that if complaints are received, the Lokayukta might consider holding an inquiry into the issue. He revealed that an investigation into a complaint received about illegal appointments in a Mandya college is in progress.