The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : After son, focus shifts to Katta's wife, Soubhagya

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After son, focus shifts to Katta's wife, Soubhagya

Staff Reporter

‘A portion of land acquired by KIADB belongs to her'

— Photo: Sampath Kumar G.P.

In disgrace:Councillor Katta Jagadish (left) trying to avoid the media while being taken away by the Lokayukta police in Bangalore on Friday.

BANGALORE: Following the arrest of Katta Jagadish, son of Katta Subramanya Naidu, Minister for IT, BT and Housing on Thursday, the Lokayukta police are now turning their attention to the Minister's wife, Soubhagya in connection with the ongoing investigation into the alleged irregularities in payment of compensation for lands acquired by the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB).

Lokayutka N. Santosh Hegde told presspersons on Friday that investigations had revealed that of the 325 acres of land acquired by the KIADB for the Itaska software company in Jala Hobli in Bangalore North taluk, a portion of land belongs to Ms. Soubhagya. “We have found records showing that the land was purchased in the name of Ms. Soubhagya for Rs. 9 lakh. A compensation of Rs. 4 crore has been paid in her name,” Mr. Hegde said. The land was purchased just a few days before the process of land acquisition began, he added.

“We are trying to find out the role of Mr. Katta Subramanya Naidu in the alleged irregularities. We have taken all precautions to prevent tampering of evidence,” Mr. Hegde said.

Threat

Mr. Hegde alleged that the supporters of the Minister were threatening people who were coming to the Lokayukta police to give statements in connection with the irregularities. “They [Mr. Naidu's supporters] are spying on the activities in the Lokayukta office. They are keeping a track of people coming to our office and giving statements in connection with the irregularities. Those who have given statements to us have reported to our police officers about threats they have received,” Mr. Hegde said. One of those who received a threat to his life was Ramanjanappa, who had complained to the Lokayukta police about being offered a bribe of Rs. 1 lakh by Mr. Jagadish. “He was offered money just after he had made a statement before us. The money was offered to change his version of the story. They said he would be killed if he did not accept the money,” Mr. Hegde said. He added that Mr. Jagadish's arrest had brought confidence to the persons who had grievances against the Minister's family. “The arrest will speed up our investigation,” he said.

Mr. Jagadish's supporters manhandled the media when they tried to take pictures of Mr. Jagadish while he was being taken to the house of the judge on Thursday. One of them broke the lens of a camera. Then media persons went to Home Minister R. Ashok, who assured them that he would take necessary action.

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