Reported by: Deepak Bopanna
In course of the conversation, the information about the bribery is revealed, he said. As evidence, he released copies of WhatsApp chats that exposed a widespread corruption racket involving middlemen and senior district officials. Earlier today, speaking to reporters in Hassan after visiting the historic Hasanamba temple in Hassan, Kumaraswamy read out excerpts from a written script of what he described as a WhatsApp conversation between an unidentified person and Latha Kumari’s personal assistant Shashikiran.
Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy has sparked a controversy alleging that IAS officer and Hassan Deputy Commissioner Latha Kumari has staved off her transfer by paying a huge bribe. The officer has strongly denied the allegations, saying it is fake news and a police case is being filed about it. He claimed the Deputy Commissioner’s office was involved in collecting bribes from stone crusher owners and residential layout developers for granting permissions and clearing land conversion files. The minister alleged that Shashikiran was collecting bribes through intermediaries and handing over the money to her. “I am stating once again that we have never engaged in any unauthorised activities. If our PA or their section has sent any such erroneous message, strict action will be taken.
Targeting Karnataka Minister KM Shivalingegowda — who is in charge of the district — Kumaraswamy has alleged that Rs 75 lakh was paid to prevent the transfer. He also alleged that District In-charge Minister KM Shivalingegowda was also involved in the corruption network and a bribe of Rs 75 lakh has been paid to Shivalingegowda to prevent Latha Kumari’s transfer.
The officer said a police case is being filed and after a “thorough investigation, whatever is false will come to light”. Furthermore, if anyone continues to circulate such false information and fake news to the press and public, I will trace them down decisively,” she said.
