Ayukta traps KEB engineer for graft

Thippeswamy, 48, a resident of Boovanahalli in Sandur Taluk, had, along with his relative Honnurappa applied for a power connection for 5 HP irrigation pump-sets to be installed in their land in Basapur village.

They submitted their application on Oct 23, 1997 to Uma Maheswar, who demanded Rs 10,000 from each of them to prepare an estimate and other documents on their behalf. Both of them paid Rs 6,000 each as advance.

Every fortnight, the duo would meet the JE, who beganevading them. Finally, on Oct 3 this year, they met the JE at his office. This time, the JE demanded Rs 10,000 from each afresh, as “they had not paid the balance of Rs 4000 one year ago”.

The farmers then struck a deal of Rs 8,000 rupees, promising him that they would pay him Rs 6,000 within a week and the rest after the work was over. They then approached Lokayukta inspector Prabhakar.

On Oct 6 (Tuesday), Thippeswamy went to Uma Maheswar’s residence at 9.30 am to pay the money. Uma Maheswar enquired about Honnurappa who also promised to bring Rs 6,000 at the earliest. Just then, Prabhakar and his team swooped on Uma Maheswar. They also recovered Rs 6,000 and seized files pertaining to the case.

The Lok Ayukta has requested executive engineer, Bellary, Kattimani, to sanction power to the farmer since his case has been pending for over a year.