Can LokPal work independently?
One of the primary examples of how an agency can curb corruption if it is given an opportunity to work honestly and diligently is Karnataka Lokayukta. Our state Lokayukta commands special respect among such agencies existing all over India. It brought a CM to his knees and forced him to resign over illegal mining case. Many people’s representatives were sent to jail and lost their political clout finally. The whole country looked at Karnataka Lokayukta with awe.
When Lokayukta began its deep probe on politicians, all of them came together to finish it off. They have now clipped its wings and just allowed its existence to work without any hindrance. At a time when govt interferes with investigating agencies costing them their reputation and trust among people, the very first Lokayukta has been appointed in India. This was done after massive movement by people. Since LokPal can investigate the central ministers and leaders, the significance is naturally high. Even BJP had insisted on LokPal appointment when UPA was at the centre. But after clinching power, BJP fell silent over the matter.
Modi government didn’t pay heed to any pleas by Anna Hazare and many others insisting on the setting up of LokPal. But Modi government didn’t pay heed to that till the term was close to being over, and appointed a LokPal now when the govt is facing another term of elections. This shows the level of seriousness of the government regarding LokPal, because this has been done only with the lone purpose of pulling wool over people’s eyes. Corruption may not end with the appointment of LokPal. Considering the example of Karnataka, even this govt has not given total power to Lokayukta. Turning it into a toothless tiger is not a big deal of the politicians make up their minds on that.
For many years, we didn’t have justices to fill the positions of Lokayukta. With Santosh Hegde at the helm of affairs of this agency some time ago, today one wonders whether a Lokayukta even exists in the state. Country has seen how the CBI is suffering. The chief of this investigating agency was kicked out unconstitutionally because he wanted to investigate Rafale deal. Govt did not even pay heed to the SC’s directive regarding this issue. Finally, such a situation was created that the CBI chief had to resign and go out. Having used premier institutes to fulfil its political gains, the Modi government has ruined the credibility of such institutions.
Governments earlier would try to clandestinely try to control CBI and other such agencies, but Modi government has made no such cover-up efforts. Today CBI is full time puppet of the government. Hence the appointment of Lokpal is not a matter to rejoice too much. Because how does one expect LokPal to work independently when we have seen the fate of CBI? This would just be another agency established to add more jewels to their crowns.
LokPal can investigate people’s representatives too. It works as a watchdog of Democracy. If it takes up a case like Rafale, it’s not difficult to imagine how Modi would respond to it. LokPal alone cannot check corruption unless it gets full power. Else it would work like a bonded labour of central government. If this agency gets full power, the first bomb will fall on our political leaders. Why would they even make a mistake that can finish them?
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Child rape-murder: Hundreds protest on Mumbai-Bengaluru highway in Pune; traffic hit
Pune (PTI): Hundreds of people blocked the Mumbai-Bengaluru highway in Pune to protest the rape and murder of a four-year-old girl, leading to traffic disruption on the busy route for about four hours.
The girl's family members and other demonstrators placed the body on the road in the Navale Bridge area on Saturday evening and demanded stringent punishment for the 65-year-old man arrested in the case.
Several videos surfaced showing a huge traffic jam on the highway.
Later, the victim's last rites were performed at the Vaikunt crematorium here shortly after midnight amid tight police security.
The accused man, who works as a labourer and has a criminal record, allegedly lured the girl with the promise of food on Friday in the Bhor tehsil of Pune district. He then took her to a cattle enclosure where he allegedly sexually assaulted her and later killed her by hitting her with a stone, according to the police.
He was arrested based on CCTV footage from a private residence, which captured him with the child.
A case was registered against him under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and he has been remanded in police custody till May 7.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar on Saturday met the family of the victim, assuring them of strict action against the accused and a fast-track trial.
Describing the incident as "shocking" and a "blot on humanity", Pawar said the government stands firmly with the victim's family and will ensure justice.
She also spoke to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and sought a fast-track court trial so that the accused receives the harshest punishment.
Deputy CM Eknath Shinde directed Pune rural police to gather concrete evidence to build a watertight case and conduct the trial in a fast-track court.
Efforts should be made to ensure the accused gets the death penalty, a statement quoted Shinde as saying.
