Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai : Only IAS/KAS officers in JC-rank posts in BBMP

BENGALURU: A few days after a joint commissioner-rank officer of BBMP was caught in a graft case by the Lokayukta, chief minister Basavaraj Bommai said all non-KAS officers serving in the rank will be withdrawn immediately and only KAS/IAS officers will be posted in their place.Pointing to another illegal khata-conversion episode in Bommanahalli zone limits involving the joint commissioner along with other officials, Congress MLC UB Venkatesh sought details of the disciplinary action initiated against the corrupt officials. Responding to the query, Bommai said an internal investigation ordered by BBMP has proved that all were guilty."We have found these officials guilty and a chargesheet has been filed. But as one of the officials facing charges is retired, we are awaiting a response from the officer. There is no question of letting anybody go scot-free; we will initiate criminal proceedings against all involved," he told the house. MLC Venkatesh pointed to the recent incident of graft involving a joint commissioner. The CM assured a decision has been taken at the government level to post only senior bureaucrats. He said: "All non-KAS officers will be withdrawn from joint commissioner- rank posts within BBMP and only KAS or IAS officers will be posted for better administration and transparency." Sources in BBMP said the officials had allegedly approved the bifurcation of khata belonging to three properties, overlooking the advice of the BBMP legal cell. While the civic body has already ordered suspension of the officials, it has sought nod to hold a departmental inquiry.