Lokayukta seeks nod from Karnataka govt for probe in KOMUL recruitment scam

BENGALURU: Following the uncovering of a recruitment scam in the Kolar-Chikkaballapur District Co-operative Milk Producers Union Limited (KOMUL), the Lokayutka police have written to the state government seeking permission to launch an investigation under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials had recently raided several people linked to the milk union and found that of the 75 recruitments made, all were done fraudulently. Following this, the ED had written to the Lokayukta regarding the investigation into the allegations of money laundering case against Congress MLA Nanjegowda.

Lokayukta DG Prashant Thakur has now written to the government seeking permission to launch an investigation under the Prevention of Corruption Act against some influential leaders including the MLA.

The ED officials had questioned the 75 candidates and recorded their statements wherein they admitted to have given bribes for recruitment. Based on this, the Enforcement Directorate had written to the Lokayukta seeking an independent probe under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The recruitment test was conducted by the authorities of Mangalore University. The Lokayukta has written to the government on the basis of the ED’s letter to investigate the influential leaders, including MLA Nanjegowda, who had written the recommendation letters of appointment.