Karnataka winds up panel probing CM146;s 145;corruption146;

The Karnataka government today decided to wind up the U L Bhat Commission, set up to probe the Rs 150-crore bribery charge against Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy

The Karnataka government today decided to wind up the U L Bhat Commission, set up to probe the Rs 150-crore bribery charge against Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, for its 8220;failure8221; to submit an interim report within the two month deadline set for it.

The government8217;s action comes a day after the resignation of former judge Bhat, who headed the one-man panel of inquiry. The government has transferred the probe into the alleged irregularities in the Mining Department between 2000 and 2006 as well as the Rs 150-crore bribery charges against Kumaraswamy to the Lokayukta, Home Minister M P Prakash and Forest Minister C Chennigappa said.

8220;Despite being in office for seven-and-a-half-months, the panel could not submit an interim report or the final report within six months as per the terms of reference,8221; Prakash said. Bhat, in his resignation letter said he was resigning as the government had not extended the Commission8217;s term that expired last December.

The complaint earlier lodged by the Forest Department with the Lokayukta, seeking investigations into violation of government orders by the Forest Department and Mines and Geology Department officials, too will come under the ambit of the probe now, Prakash said.

8220;The Bhat Commission sought an extension by 10 months and it was under serious consideration of the government. But the chairman not only chose to resign yesterday, but declared he would not continue even if he was given an extension,8221; he said.

After suspended BJP legislator G Janardhana Reddy levelled the bribery charge against the CM and others last June, the government appointed the inquiry commission in July and rejected the Opposition8217;s demand for a CBI probe.

Prakash said the government had provided required facilities and staff, including the services of four officials of the rank of IGP to assist the Commission in its investigation. He alleged that the Congress, which fought over the issue, and Reddy, who levelled the charges, had not extended cooperation to the panel.