Rao is Accused No 7 in Lokayukta extortion scam

BENGALURU: Former Lokayukta Y Bhaskar Rao was in the know of the extortion racket run from his office by his son Y Ashwin, but did nothing to stop it, according to a chargesheet filed on Wednesday.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the racket, makes serious criminal charges against Rao (78), who had also served as Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court.

Rao is the first Lokayukta to face criminal charges under the Prevention  of Corruption Act. He is arraigned as the seventh accused in the chargesheet, running into 560 pages.

The SIT headed by Additional Director-General of Police Kamal Pant has found prima facie evidence of Rao’s involvement in the scam.

The case was registered on the basis of a verbal statement by M N Krishna Murthy, then Executive Engineer of the Zilla Panchayath, Bengaluru Rural, who allegedly received extortion calls.

The other six accused are former Lokayukta PRO Syed Riyaz, Bhaskar Rao’s son Y Ashwin Yerabati, tout V Bhaskar, realtor Ashok Kumar, journalist M B Srinivasa Gowda and RTI activist Shankaregowda. 

Rao was booked under various provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act as well as the IPC. The charges against him relate to a public servant taking bribes, showing favours, and abetting offences. He is also charged with criminal conspiracy and causing disappearance of evidence. The special court is yet to take cognizance of the chargesheet and issue a summons to Rao.

Rao who?

Justice Y Bhaskar Rao (78)

Feb 2013:

Appointed as Lokayukta

Dec 2015:

 Resigned as Lokayukta

1999-2000:

Chief Justice of High Court

July 12, 2016:

Governor’s consent to book him

Charges:

Criminal conspiracy, hiding evidence