Corruption allegations in Central Prison, ACB yet to get permission to investigate

The DIG had alleged that Rs. 2 crore bribe was paid to H.G Sathyanarayan to provide special privilege to Shashikala. Following the allegations, the government appointed a team led by retired IAS officer Vinay to investigate the case and directed to submit a report within three months.

Bangalore (Karnataka): IPS officer D Roopa has alleged that irregularities have taken place in Central Prison, Bangalore. ACB is investigating allegations made by Rupa. However, sources said that the ACB's investigation into the case against H.G Sathyanarayan has not yet been approved by the government.

After the transfer of the case to the ACB in connection with the Prison Corruption case, the ACB wrote in 2019 to order an investigation into the 2 allegations. But so far there has been no response from the government.

The DIG had alleged that Rs. 2 crore bribe was paid to H.G Sathyanarayan to provide special privilege to Shashikala. Following the allegations, the government appointed a team led by retired IAS officer Vinay to investigate the case and directed to submit a report within three months.

Similarly, a retired officer who investigated the case for three months gave a detailed report. The government then moved the ACB to investigate the two cases.

Allegation 1:

The Vruksham Talent Group offered to train a prison staff. For that Rs. 11 lakhs were released for 1 year. There was a rule that 25-30 jailers will be trained in each batch. But it was revealed that 1-2 days training was only given. Million of rupees were taken from some batch without giving training for the rest of the days. The company was given lease without calling for a tender. So accordingly, the ACB has filed a case under the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement Act and sought permission from the government to investigate.

Allegation 2:

Even if Network Jammer is not operating in jail. Annual operating costs were paid to the company that issued the tender. Thus the company got the benefits. This case falls under the Corruption Control Act. The ACB has therefore requested an investigation into both cases.

However, no permission has been granted so far which puts a big question mark on the government.