CID: Mangala called candidates 450 times

BANGALORE: Mangala Sridhar, the suspended KPSC member chargesheeted by the CID in the cash-for-jobs scam, was in telephonic contact with at least 20 candidates before and after the exams for the recruitment for 362 gazetted probationers Group A and B posts.
Assisted by two family members and PA Ashok Kumar, Mangala made at least 450 calls to the candidates over a few weeks, CID sources said.Mangala, a former BJP corporator, played a pivotal role in the scam, they said.
"In several instances, Mangala approached the candidates; her three associates followed up the conversation. The negotiations would begin later. Ashok Kumar would regularly update Mangala on the developments," sources said.
A candidate told TOI: "Mangala herself called me soon after the main exam; at least 10 times in the span of a week. She was casual and wished I would land an assistant commissioner's post. She slowly revealed I would get the AC post only if I paid Rs 75 lakh."Mangala has been charged with various IPC sections including 119 (public servant concealing design to commit offence which it is his duty to prevent), 120 B (criminal conspiracy), 166 (public servant disobeying law), 418 (cheating with knowledge that wrongful loss may ensue to person whose interest offender bound to protect), 465 (forgery), 468 (forgery with cheating purpose), 201 (destruction of evidence) and Section 7 (public servant taking gratification other than legal remuneration in respect of an official act) of the Prevention of Corruption Act.