MYSURU: District and PWD Minister H C Mahadevappa’s son Sunil Bose who is an accused in a sand mining bribery case has been nominated as chairman of a vigilance committee which oversees the implementation of various housing schemes in T Narasipura constituency.
Housing Department Under Secretary Shivakumara Swamy C S issued an order to this effect on Wednesday.
Two months ago, Yathindra, son of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was made the chairman of Vigilance Committee of Varuna assembly constituency on the pretext that the CM was not able to give enough time for his constituency job in view of his responsibilities.
The nomination gives them the power to select beneficiaries for various government housing schemes, including Dr. B R Ambedkar Nivas Yojana. This power is held by respective MLAs in other constituencies.Like Yathindra, the nomination of Bose is also seen as preparing the ground for his launch in the electoral politics in 2018.
Bose was a serious aspirant for Nanjangud bypoll held a few months ago. But the party was forced to overlook him. He is an accused in a sand bribery case was one of the factors.
He is accused of forcing Alphonsus, a senior geologist of Mines and Geology Department, to accept a bribe of Rs 1 lakh on his behalf to issue a permit to sand trucks. He was arraigned in the case as there was material evidence to prove his connivance with Alphonsus who was trapped by Lokayukta while accepting the bribe. A year ago, two cops carrying him on their shoulders in a party had gone viral.
Some time ago, Bose conducting groundbreaking ceremonies and launching development works on behalf of his father had come under criticism as it is a violation of protocol. Now, the nomination will give him an authority to conduct such things and take part in official functions.
Attahalli Devaraj, a farmer leader from T Narasipura, criticised the nomination of Bose. “Without power, there were allegations that he was misusing his political links to arm-twist the officials. Now, he has got licence to continue it. The people will not be benefited,” he said.