The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Vijayawada News : Action sought against `corrupt' legislator

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Nov 03, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Vijayawada

Action sought against `corrupt' legislator

By Our Staff Reporter

The Lok Ayukta, R. Ramanujam, looking through some records during a camp hearing in Vijayawada on Tuesday. — Photo: Raju V.

VIJAYAWADA, NOV. 2. The Lok Ayukta, R. Ramanujam, has sent a recommendation to the Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly, K.R. Suresh Reddy, to initiate disciplinary action against a legislator for the latter's alleged `misuse of public money.'

A detailed investigation by Lok Ayukta had "established the allegations of misuse of public money by the MLA" against whom the inquiry was recently conducted at Kakinada and Hyderabad, he said.

In an informal talk with reporters here on Tuesday, Mr. Ramanujam, however, declined to name the legislator stating it would be improper on his part to do so. "I have submitted the report to the Speaker and it is for him to take necessary action," he remarked.

More complaints

He said the Lok Ayuktha had received complaints against three other MLAs alleging misuse of public money and corruption, but the same could not be established. Mr. Ramanujam said that though complaints were lodged against the legislators, the necessary evidence was not forthcoming to substantiate the charges.

The complainants, he said, were also not cooperating with the institution.

To a question, Mr.Ramanujam said that allegations of corruption and abuse of power had also been lodged against several IAS officers in the State.

`Settlement gangs'

The complaints were under various stages of investigations. Significantly, he said, there was not event a single complaint against any IPS officer.

Referring to complaints of `private settlements' against a Congress MLA and former Minister, Mr. Ramanujam said he had called for a comprehensive report from the City Police Commissioner, Umesh Sharraf on the issue.

Mr. Ramanujam who initiated suo moto proceedings on the issue said he had been informed by the Police Commissioner that the anti-goonda squad of the city police had been asked to keep a close tab on the activities of such `settlement gangs.' Two housewives who had complained of harassment by the MLA's followers were also provided adequate protection, Mr. Ramanujam said.

He said complaints of corruption, abuse of power and misuse of funds, which were registered against more than half-a-dozen Cabinet Ministers in the previous TDP Government had been closed due to lack of evidence.

Adequate powers

Reiterating his earlier argument that the 1983 Andhra Pradesh Lok Ayuktha and Upa Lok Ayuktha Act should be suitably amended, Mr. Ramanujam held the view that the institution should be vested with the powers to redress the grievances of the public.

Presently he pointed out that the institution had the power only to investigate into complaints of corruption and abuse of power by public servants. But in States like Karnataka the Lok Ayuktha had powers to redress public grievances like settlement of pension claims, insufficient compensations and other issues.

The Lok Ayuktha said that he had asked to the Government more than a year ago to bring in the necessary amendments and it was for the latter to act upon it.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Andhra Pradesh

News Update

Stories in this Section

Action sought against `corrupt' legislator

Lok Ayukta for public trials

Special festival offer for `shopaholics'

Free cleft-lip surgeries for poor patients

Around the city

In Vijayawada Today