Karnataka Lokayukta report: BJP govt’s demand for 40% commission made by deceased contractor is unfounded – Karnataka News

The Karnataka Lokayukta has rejected the claim of late contractor R Ambikapathi, who claimed in a TV interview that bribes were paid to secure contracts in the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).

Lokayukta’s investigation revealed that Ambikapathi was not given any contract for five years till 2022.

Further investigation into Ambikapathi’s allegations was prevented by his death on 27 November 2023. His son said he had no knowledge of his father’s business dealings.

Saying that the allegations lacked any supporting evidence, the Lokayukta concluded that the allegations were baseless.

“There are many cases registered regarding 40 per cent commission allegations. “This particular case of complainant Ambikapathi was registered and the investigation was completed in June,” he said.

“Contractor Ambikapathi, who is no longer alive, had not awarded any government contracts for the past five years until 2022. Therefore, there is no evidence to support his claims,” ​​the statement said.

However, the Lokayukta office clarified that the investigation into another complaint filed by the contractors association led by D Kempanna is still ongoing. “The investigation into this case is still ongoing and has not been closed,” the Lokayukta told India Today Digital.

Kempanna, who as chairman of the Karnataka State Contractors was at the forefront of the previous BJP government’s fight against the ‘40% commission’ scam, died of a heart attack on September 19, 2024. He even wrote to the Prime Minister. Narendra Modi and other senior BJP leaders are concerned about corruption and bribery.

The Karnataka BJP welcomed the Lokayukta’s decision and said it proved the innocence of the party’s previous government and the allegations leveled against it by the Congress were completely “false”.

Former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa said: “The Lokayukta inquiry itself said the allegations were false. “I will ask Congress leaders to speak carefully from now on as such baseless allegations are of no use.”

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi criticized the ruling Congress and said it should apologize for such false allegations.