Siddaramaiah orders probe into special treatment to VK Sasikala

BENGALURU: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah today ordered a high-level probe into alleged irregularities at the central prison here, including preferential treatment being given to AIADMK (Amma) leader V K Sasikala.

He said strict action will be taken against those found guilty.

"We have taken serious cognizance of the allegation of irregularities in the Bengaluru Central Prison and ordered a high-level inquiry," Siddaramaiah, who is currenty touring Raichur district, posted on Twitter.

"Request all to await the outcome of this inquiry. Strict action will be taken against any person found guilty of wrongdoing (sic)," he tweeted.

In a report submitted to DGP (Prisons) H S Sathyanarayana Rao yesterday, Deputy Inspector of General (Prisons) D Roopa had alleged that a special kitchen had been set up in the jail for Sasikala in violation of prison rules.

"There are rumours that the kitchen is continuing to function despite the issue being brought to your (Rao) notice. There is also a talk that Rs 2 crore has been paid as bribe for this.

"As unfortunately these allegations are also against you, it is requested that you look into the matter and take merciless disciplinary action against erroneous officials," the report signed by Roopa said.

She also pointed out other "erroneous" practices in the prison including "preferential" treatment to fake stamp paper scam kingpin Abdul Karim Telgi.

Sasikala, along with her two relatives V N Sudhakaran and Elavarasi, is lodged in the Parappana Agrahara central prison here ever since her conviction in February in the disproportionate assets case. They are serving a four-year jail term.

DGP Rao today rubbished Roopa's charge, terming it as "absolutely false, baseless and wild" and said he would take legal recourse against his junior.

Responding to this, Roopa said "let there be a fair fact-finding inquiry to find out the truth".