Court slams slow investigation in corruption case involving Yediyurappa and Vijayendra
Bengaluru: The Special Court of People's Representatives has expressed displeasure over the lack of progress in the investigation of corruption allegations against former Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa and BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra. Despite the case being under investigation for over two years, the court noted that the Lokayukta police have failed to provide substantial updates.
The court's frustration was evident as Lokayukta investigators appeared to explain the situation in response to a show cause notice. The investigation, which has been primarily focused on shell companies, has seen little advancement, according to the court. The Special Court took issue with the investigating officer, DySP Satish M.H., for his inadequate progress in the case.
The case involves allegations of corruption in a Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) apartment tender, where Rs. 8.41 crores were allegedly funneled through fake companies. B.S. Yediyurappa's grandson, Shashidhar Maradi, has been accused of facilitating these transfers. Other individuals named in the private complaint include B.Y. Vijayendra, Shashidhar Maradi, Sanjay Shri, Chandrakanta Ramalingam, S.T. Somasekhar, Dr. G.C. Prakash, K. Ravi, and Virupakshappa Yamakanamaradi. The complaint was filed by social activist T.J. Abraham.
The allegations centre on the misuse of authority to grant a housing project contract to Ramalingam Construction Company, allegedly in exchange for bribes. In September 2022, the Special Court ordered the Lokayukta Police Inspector to file an FIR against Yediyurappa and others, and to investigate the claims of bribes being funneled through cash and shell companies.
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.
Puttur: Four arrested for alleged negligent disposal of Dalit labourer’s body
Puttur (Karnataka), Nov 26: Four people have been arrested for allegedly disposing of a Dalit labourer’s body negligently in Puttur taluk of Dakshina Kannada district, police said on Tuesday.
The deceased, Shivappa (70), a resident of Keremoole near Sullia, worked as an assistant mason at Tauro Cement Fabrication Unit in Salmara village. He reportedly collapsed and died during work hours on November 16.
Instead of providing medical assistance or notifying his family, the factory owner, Henry Tauro, allegedly loaded Shivappa’s body onto a pickup truck and dumped it near his home, placing it on wooden logs by the roadside, according to police.
ALSO READ: Six junior artists of Kannada film ‘Kantara’ injured in accident in Karnataka
The incident sparked outrage among Dalit organisations in Puttur, including the Adi Dravida Samaja Seva Sangha, who demanded a thorough investigation.
Protests over delays in apprehending the accused intensified public pressure, leading to the arrests of Tauro, his son Kiran, their assistant Prakash, and a mason named Stany.
According to a complaint lodged by Shivappa's son-in-law, the accused brought Shivappa home unresponsive on the evening of November 16. He was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
A case has been registered under the Prevention of Atrocities Against Dalits Act, and investigations are underway to establish the cause of death and examine allegations of mishandling the victim’s body, police added.
