Lokayukta Justice V Bhaskar Rao goes on leave again

BENGALURU: Ahead of the Karnataka legislature session commencing from November 16, Lokayukta Justice V Bhaskar Rao has extended his leave for 45 days from October 22, for the fifth time in succession.
The Lokayukta has been on leave ever since the allegations against his son Y Ashwin surfaced for running an extortion racket in the state anti-corruption ombudsman.
The legislature seession being convened to discuss drought will also focus on removal of the Lokayukta with the BJP having launched a signature campaign to move a resolution to this effect.
Justice Rao’s earlier leave application submitted through the registrar of Lokayukta to governor Vajubhai R Valla ended on October 21. The present application was filed before the in-charge registrar who forwarded it to the governor. Sources said that he has 100 more days leave to his credit even after the 45 day leave he has availed now.
The absence of Lokayukta from his post for nearly four months has created a vacuum within the anti-corruption watchdog with as many as 360 complaints pending before the institution. The complaints required Lokayukta’s assent for further investigation even after it has passed the preliminary enquiry and scrutiny.
Justice went on leave soon after his Ashwin was arrested in the “Lokayukta insider corruption” on July 27. A special investigation team (SIT) formed to probe into the racket indulging in corrupt practices within the Lokayukta has investigated the case and Ashwin has been found guilty in the charges heet filed by SIT before the Lokayukta special court.