Hiremath urges SIT to arrest Lokayukta

Social activist S R Hiremath on Wednesday urged the Special Investigation Team (SIT), probing corruption and extortion within the Lokayukta, to arrest Lokayukta Justice Y Bhaskar Rao in the wake of statements made by former Lokayukta (Rural) SP Dr Ashwini in the charge sheet filed recently.

Hiremath said that in her statement, Ashwini had stated that she had told ADGP Lokayukta Prem Shankar Meena and the then Registrar H R Deshpande about being summoned by suspended Joint Commissioner (PRO) Syed Riyaz and Y Ashwin, son of Lokayukta Justice Y Bhaskar Rao, to the PRO’s chamber to discuss a case under investigation. Hiremath said Justice Rao has abetted the extortion racket run by his son.

“Bhaskar Rao has indulged in serious illegalities, irregularities and criminalities that confirm he is the prime accused.  These and other statements, which are now part of the charge sheet filed, suggest he was aware of his son's activities,” he said.