Bengaluru: JDS legislators have urged the Karnataka government to order an independent probe into allegations of large-scale corruption and financial transactions worth crores of rupees at the Hassan Deputy Commissioner’s office.
A delegation comprising JDS Legislature Party leader and Chikkanayakanahalli MLA C.B. Suresh Babu, MLC T.A. Saravana and MLA Rajugowda Patil met the state Chief Secretary in Bengaluru and submitted a formal complaint seeking a high-level investigation.
The legislators alleged that WhatsApp conversations circulating publicly point to financial dealings involving several district officials, including the Deputy Commissioner (DC), Assistant Commissioner (AC), Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), tahsildar and the DC’s personal assistant.
According to the complaint, the messages reportedly mention amounts ranging from ₹50 lakh to ₹75 lakh in connection with the DC and ₹13 lakh to ₹20 lakh involving the AC. The alleged transactions are said to be linked to the processing of files relating to three stone crushers in Sakaleshapura.
The delegation has sought verification of the WhatsApp conversations through forensic examination of original mobile devices, besides scrutiny of bank accounts, UPI transactions and other financial records.
The JDS leaders have demanded an investigation by the Lokayukta or another independent agency, arguing that an internal departmental inquiry would not be sufficient. They have also called for preservation of evidence and registration of criminal cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act if the allegations are substantiated.
