Man thanks Lokayukta for saving him from money-lenders

BENGALURU: An agricultural labourer, K Dinesh from Paduvannaru village in Puttur taluk, wants to write a ‘thank-you’ letter this week to Lokayukta Chief Justice P Vishwanatha Shetty for having saved him and his family from utter financial ruin.Just when private money-lenders had begun to tighten the noose around Dinesh’s neck for defaulting on loan repayments, an amount of Rs 1.20 lakh was credited into his bank account in Ishwaramangala by Bengaluru-based Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Limited (RGHCL), a fortnight ago. 

Dinesh’s mother, Kusuma K, who suffers from vision problems, was declared a beneficiary of Basava Housing scheme (BHS), at a grama sabha organised by Badagannuru gram panchayat (GP) in 2013. 
The widow’s happiness was cut short when she was informed that her name was subsequently dropped from the list of beneficiaries. Dinesh filed a complaint with District Legal Services Authority and Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat (DKZP) chief executive officer (CEO) regarding this. Eventually, he filed a complaint with Lokayukta too. 

With money borrowed from money-lenders and by pledging gold, the house had only been completed partially. On December 5, 2017, Badagannuru GP Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) K Sharada deposing before Lokayukta Chief Justice P Vishwanatha Shetty at the Deputy Commissioner’s hall, had defended the decision to drop Kusuma’s name from the list of beneficiaries of housing scheme as Dinesh was a landowner. But, Lokayukta had rejected the PDO’s claim when she failed to submit proof backing her statement. 

The Lokayukta chief on observing that disciplinary action was initiated against the PDO, directed DKZP CEO M R Ravi and RGHCL to pay a compensation of `1.20 lakh. Sources in Lokayukta informed that DKZP CEO Ravi in his report, submitted to Lokayukta chief recently, had informed that Kusuma had begun constructing house without waiting for approval.

“But on Lokayukta’s directions, the CEO had recommended RGHCL to release compensation,’’ sources said quoting the report. RGHCL had also submitted a report informing Lokayukta that an amount of `1.20 lakh was deposited in the account of Dinesh, based on the recommendation of DKZP CEO. Dinesh told The New Indian Express that Badagannuru PDO after taking pictures of their house and another beneficiary Nagappa Paraba’s house, had lost the memory card. In order to cover up their mistake, they had shifted the blame to us. “But I am happy as truth has prevailed, thanks to the Lokayukta,’’ he said.