Amid an ongoing investigation, Karnataka is seeing a clash between Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy and Lokayukta ADGP M Chandrashekhar, both accusing each other of “corruption and manipulation”.
Kumaraswamy has alleged that Chandrashekhar, “a corrupt officer under the influence of the state government”, was “manipulating investigations for political purposes under the direction of the CM Siddaramaiah-led government”.
In a strongly worded letter to his staff, Chandrashekhar has dismissed these claims, calling them “baseless”. He has countered H.D. Kumaraswamy’s allegations, saying an “accused who is on bail” had made these accusations to deter them from performing their duties.
Kumaraswamy had appeared before the Lokayukta for questioning on Friday in connection with the Gangenahalli land denotification case. The following day, in a media conference, he accused the government of using a “tainted and corrupt officer” to investigate cases and claimed that rogue officers were being employed for these probes under the Siddaramaiah government.
Chandrashekhar wrote an internal letter to his department, countering HDK’s allegations. The letter accessed by News18 stated that the “objective is to create fear in the minds of officers of the SIT by attacking” him.
WHAT THE LETTER STATES
“Today, an accused in Crime No.16/14 of the SIT, Sh. H.D. Kumaraswamy, made false and malicious allegations and threats during a press conference. As you know, the SIT had sought prosecution sanction from the competent authority for the accused. This accused, who is on bail, Sh. H.D. Kumaraswamy, is trying to deter us from performing our duties. It appears his objective is to create fear in the minds of SIT officers by attacking me. But an ACCUSED, however high and mighty, is still an ACCUSED. Let us not be discouraged by such allegations and threats. As head of the SIT, I promise to work without fear or favour and ensure that all criminals and accused in our cases are brought to justice. I also assure you that I will protect you from any external influences.
There is a famous English quote by George Bernard Shaw: ‘Never wrestle with pigs. You both get dirty, and the pig likes it.’ But we cannot avoid confronting criminals and the accused during our duty. Sometimes, these criminals and accused throw dirt at us. This should not deter us from our work. Never lose hope, as truth always triumphs. Let us have faith in TRUTH, GOD, and our LAW. SATHYAMEVA JAYATE.”
Chandrashekhar was not available for comment.
HDK’S ATTACKS
HDK also launched an attack on Siddaramaiah, alleging that no investigation under his government was transparent and that all were politically motivated. “He’s been promised the post of Bengaluru Police Commissioner,” claimed Kumaraswamy, explaining why Chandrashekhar has been taking him on. He went on to allege that the same position of Bengaluru Police Commissioner had been used by the Siddaramaiah government as a lure for IPS officers B.K. Singh and Chandrashekhar.
He further claimed that a highly confidential letter written by the Governor to the Lokayukta regarding his case had been leaked to a private news channel by the officer involved. “This letter is being used by the channel to smear my family’s reputation and run a campaign against me for months,” said HDK. He further accused Chandrashekhar of seeking permission to investigate staff in the Governor’s office, a constitutional body representing the President of the country, which he deemed unacceptable.
The Union Minister also claimed that numerous complaints and charges had been filed against Chandrashekhar, including for allegedly demanding Rs 20 crore from a subordinate officer in connection with a land deal. An inspector had even filed a complaint against him.
Claiming to have looked into Chandrashekhar’s background, Kumaraswamy alleged that Chandrashekhar had switched to the Karnataka cadre using false pretences and “illegal methods.” He stated that Chandrashekhar originally belonged to the Himachal Pradesh IPS cadre of 1998 but later came to Karnataka on deputation for five years. He falsely claimed that the weather conditions in Himachal were unsuitable and forged documents to extend his stay in Karnataka,” Kumaraswamy said, questioning the officer’s appointment.
HDK’s RESPONSE TO THE LETTER
In response to the letter, Kumaraswamy on Sunday alleged, “Chandrashekhar has addressed a letter to his colleagues. I know who prepared that letter and where. I will reveal about this in due course of time…I might be an accused in this case, but that officer is a criminal in disguise of a cop. There are allegations against him for a series of criminal activities.”
A letter from the Governor to the Lokayukta had been leaked to a news channel. Kumaraswamy stated that it is widely known who leaked it, but Chandrashekhar was trying to frame the officials and staff at the governor’s office in Raj Bhavan. Consequently, Chandrashekar had written to his superior, asking for permission to investigate. “I have spoken with evidence regarding the arrogance and background of that officer,” the minister remarked.
“Let the officer answer my questions.” The minister pointed out that the officer has not answered his questions. Instead, he has used filthy language in his letter against a central minister. Kumaraswamy questioned what should be done about it and stated, “I know where to respond…I do not speak without evidence or context. The letter he wrote was prepared quite well. After I held a press conference on Saturday morning, I know where that officer went in the evening. I also know which legal experts helped him draft the letter and who else was involved. I spoke yesterday with evidence in hand. This individual is originally from Andhra Pradesh and from Himachal Pradesh cadre but is posted in Karnataka for 25 years. Who has brought whom here? The language he has used reflects his culture. I stated on Saturday, along with records, who has connections with this criminal.”
He pointed out that the officer wrote “Satyameva Jayate” in his letter. “I am fighting for the same cause. The information I shared about this individual on Saturday was also for the purpose of ‘Satyameva Jayate’…Have I filed a complaint against this officer at the police station? An inspector working under him was caught demanding Rs 20 crore. This inspector has filed a complaint against the officer. It was he who blackmailed the inspector for Rs 2 crore,” alleged the minister.
Kumaraswamy claimed that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his associates lack the moral authority to seek his resignation. “Should I resign just to please Siddaramaiah? I have done nothing wrong, so why should I resign? I am not the one spreading falsehoods,” he concluded.
Comments
0 comment