'Justice Bhaskar Rao must resign for a fair inquiry'

Former Lokayukta N Santosh Hegde was candid in admitting the Karnataka Lokayukta is facing a "doomsday scenario" with the top man facing allegations of corruption. He told TOIduring an interview, that investigation by an independent agency not less than the CBI is essential to restore people's faith in the institution. AAP has filed a police complaint against Lokayukta Y Bhaskar Rao. What would you have done if you were in his place? To be honest, I wouldn't have waited for a complaint to be filed against me. I would have resigned the day charges were made against me. I would have also persuaded the government for an investigation by an independent agency and faced the investigation to clear myself. But the Lokayukta has bluntly refused to resign... It is purely his decision. If he was to resign, he would have resigned long ago or the day his family members came under the scanner. I don't think he is in that frame of mind. CM Siddaramaiah has turned down the Lokayukta's request for a probe by an independent agency. What should the Lokayukta do now? The Lokayukta should again persuade the government to refer the case to an independent agency. If he still doesn't heed, he should ask the Lokayukta police to go ahead with the investigation. But he can't continue in office if Lokayukta police investigate the case because the allegations are against his family members. There are reports the government may hand over the case to the CID. Do you think CID has the skills to investigate corruption cases? The government cannot hand over the case to the CID because technically, CID cannot file a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Only the Lokayukta police or CBI has such powers. There will also be the issue of conflict of interest as with the CCB, since the CID too comes under the state police wing. Do you think an internal anticorruption wing will work? Something is better than nothing. They are going to appoint a dog to watch the watchdog. But how do we expect the dog to be fair and clean unless the master is clean? Since 1996, no master ever faced such allegations. The Lokayukta and his deputy are speaking in different tongues, suggesting a divided house. How can it be resurrected? I don't blame the Upa Lokayukta. He has rightly spoken against the Lokayukta because he knew such a decision would pose danger to the very foundation of the institution. Heads should roll for a real resurrection. How will these incidents impact the institution? How can the people's faith be restored? Corruption alle g ations have already done enough damage to its reputation. People have begun to talk loosely against the staff, and officials are naturally demoralized. The top man should resign and make way for a fair investigation. If he comes out clean, he should be allowed to continue. -arabnews