Lok Ayukta traps Anekal TMC officials

BANGALORE: Contractor R. Krishnamurthywas due Rs 2.71 lakh by the Anekal TMC for over a year. Chief officer T.K.Kempanna decided to squeeze his ''due'' - he demanded Rs 50,000 from Krishnamurthyto release the funds. He was trapped by Lok Ayukta sleuths.Theoperation itself was thrilling. Krishnamurthy approached Lok Ayukta N.Venkatachala four days ago to complain that the official was demanding money.Kempanna first demanded Rs 71,000 and later settled for Rs50,000.Having scented blood, Kempanna and bill collector Ravitogether made more than 45 calls to the contractor. Ironically, one call wasmade at around 1.30 pm on Thursday, when Krishnamurthy was with Rama Subba, LokAyukta SP, Bangalore Rural. The duo was aggressive in their demands,and told him that they were sitting in Cubbon Park. The officers were amused,for their office overlooks Cubbon Park.On Thursday, the contractorpawned jewellery for Rs 50,000. The bundle of Rs 500 notes were wrapped andtreated with invisible dye. The officers - SP Rama Subba, RameshKumar, Rajendra Prasad, V.P.M. Swamy - followed the contractor''s car at a littledistance in Chandra Layout. Krishnamurthy met the men, handed over the money,then quickly dialled a number on his mobile and said the magic words, ''HappyBirthday''. The sleuths drove up, flashing their identity cards. A major argumentensued, and a crowd collected. Knowing he was trapped, Kempannaturned silent, but Ravi, a "reformed rowdy�, grew aggressive. He abusedthe police and even threatened them. The officers also recovered a large chopperfrom his car.The car was seized and the duo rushed to the policestation and then to the Lok Ayukta office. It is said that Ravi, whose salary isa mere Rs 3,000, owns a Maruti and leads a lavish lifestyle. Formonths now, Krishnamurthy had been begging the TMC for his money, wary of payingup 20-30 per cent as bribe.Two more pulledupVenkatachala has recommended action against two officers for grossmisconduct. They are S.M. Raju (IAS), director of employment and training, andShivalinga Murthy, joint director of employment. Not only shoulddisciplinary action be taken, they shouldn''t be allowed to hold any publicoffice, pending inquiry, he said.