Karnataka: Anti-Corruption Bureau to take charge of Sasikala case

Karnataka government on Monday ordered an inquiry into the alleged special treatment given to former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa's aide V.K. Sasikala. Sasikala is serving a four-year sentence in a case of disproportionate assets. The inquiry seeks to probe the role of senior officials of the Bengaluru Central Prison in the alleged special treatment. Former DIG (Prisons), D Roopa had alleged that an exchange of Rs 2 crore had taken place between prison officials and Sasikala for the same. On February 26, the government issued a circular informing that it accepted the recommendations of Vinay Kumar Committee, which was constituted to look into the matter. According to sources, the Committee's report confirmed that special treatment was given to Sasikala. The government has directed Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to register a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act against two senior officials. ACB has been told to give a report within three months. On hearing the news, D Roopa said, "I welcome the step taken by the government, I had complained that special treatment was given to Sasikala. ACB has registered a case now and will investigate. I am happy about it." The government circular also states that Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms may enquire if there was any violation of rules of conduct by D Roopa and the then DG (Prisons) HNS Rao. Roopa said that she only did her job by reporting what was happening in the prison. "They may carry out an enquiry on me, I haven't done anything wrong," added D Roopa.   Source: India Today