Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy has levelled allegation against IAS officer and Hassan Deputy Commissioner Latha Kumari of staving off her transfer by paying a huge bribe.
Kumaraswamy targeted Karnataka Minister KM Shivalingegowda – who is in charge of the district – alleging that Rs 75 lakh was paid to prevent the transfer.
On the other hand, Latha Kumari has strongly denied the allegations, saying it is fake news and a police case is being filed about it.
Speaking to reporters in Hassan, Kumaraswamy read out excerpts from a so called WhatsApp conversation between an unidentified person and Latha Kumari's personal assistant Shashikiran. In course of the conversation, the information about the bribery is revealed, he said.
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. As evidence, he released copies of WhatsApp chats that exposed a widespread corruption racket involving middlemen and senior district officials.
Kumaraswamy alleged that Shashikiran was collecting bribes through intermediaries and handing over the money to her. 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.
Latha Kumari denies allegations
Latha Kumari, who is a 2012 IAS batch officer, said that spreading such fake news is an unforgivable crime.
“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. 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.
“We have never done anything wrong, nor are we doing it, nor will we do it. I want to make this message very clear, and I request everyone not to believe it. Let this be investigated; whoever is at fault must face strict action and bear the consequences,” she added.
Alok Mathur is a law graduate. Journalism is his first love which he now pursues in the latter half of his career. Controversies and crime are the right triggers for him.
