Lokayukta to File Charge Sheet on KIADB Scam Soon

Bangalore, Nov 29 (PTI): Spelling more trouble for the Yeddyurappa government, facing allegations of land scams, Karnataka Lokayukta Santosh Hegde on Monday said a charge sheet will be filed soon in cases involving Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB).

"FIRs have already been filed and charge sheet will soon be filed in connection with land scams involving KIADB, which we have been probing for sometime now," he told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.

He expressed displeasure over various cases including land scams, now under the Lokayukta scanner, being "transferred to judicial probe without, let alone approval, even a discussion".

Hegde, who has eight months of his term left, asserted that while he was not "really interested in land scams involving the chief minister, KIADB land scams and illegal mining would be my top priority. I wish to take land scams involving KIADB to its logical end.

"Even as I have no prejudice against the chief minister or any other political party, I will not let the government sideline the institution of Lokayukta as far as land scam is concerned."

To a question on the gag order issued yesterday by Yeddyurappa on some of his party MLAs not to issue statements that would lower the dignity of Lokyukta, Hegde quipped, "I am yet to receive information on the gag order as I was pretty busy speaking to the media yesterday. However, through the media we have respect for each other."

In fresh trouble to Yeddyurappa, the Lokayukta had recently issued a notice to him, seeking his views on a JDS complaint regarding denotification of lands after finding a prima facie case.

The Yeddyurappa government and the Lokayukta have been at loggerheads with each other on the issue of inquiry into alleged land scams. Hegde has repeatedly expressed strong resentment over judicial probe being ordered into alleged land scams without Lokayukta's approval when the issue is pending with the anti-corruption watchdog.