Upa Lokayukta resolves income certificate row between former couple

Haveri: Upa Lokayukta heard and concluded a case concerning an income certificate dispute between a former husband and wife. Justice B Veerappa, initially unaware of their past relationship, later discovered that the complainant, K Halesh from Ranebennur, was the former husband of the respondent.
The respondent, K Lata, serves as a surveyor in the land survey department, and Halesh teaches at a private PU college. Their marriage in 2007 ended in divorce several years later. She had obtained the income certificate for applying for competitive examinations.
Post-divorce, family members alleged that Halesh continued to harass her. He filed a complaint against Lata, claiming she fraudulently obtained an income certificate showing her income was Rs 40,000. During the hearing, Lata provided evidence that the tahsildar had cancelled the certificate following the complaint. She said the village accountant and revenue inspector were responsible for the error.
The Upa Lokayukta then closed the case. When Halesh attempted to raise additional issues, Justice Veerappa stopped him. He reminded Halesh of his responsibilities as a teacher to maintain high standards of behaviour.
During proceedings, when Justice Veerappa suggested the possibility of reconciliation of their marital relationship, K Lata showed interest, but Halesh rejected the suggestion.
440 cases filed
Upa Lokayukta B Veerappa filed 440 cases in Haveri district over three days against various officials, particularly involving seven APMCs, while expressing dissatisfaction with the situation in Haveri and across the state.
During a press interaction on Friday, he spoke about attending public grievances the previous day, receiving 314 cases, of which 114 were resolved immediately.
On Friday, he conducted hearings of previous cases, resolving 10 of them. He noted that 52,528 vehicles had expired fitness certificates in the district, yet most, including school vehicles, continued operating. With over Rs 24 crore in pending tax revenue, he instructed officials to seize vehicles with expired fitness. RTO authorities subsequently seized 60 vehicles on Friday. "I will summon the commissioner of the state road transport department soon and direct them to recover the pending tax money," he said.
Justice Veerappa conducted 28 surprise visits across the district over the three days. He encountered numerous issues, particularly in Haveri and Byadagi APMCs. Despite substantial earnings, authorities failed to provide basic amenities to farmers. He ordered the suspension of seven trade licences in the Byadagi chilli market. "The public should not give fake complaints on the grounds of personal hate against officials because this is a waste of time. I will initiate actions against the person who filed a fake complaint," he warned.
"Many departments including the Lokayukta have been facing a staff crunch. I will recommend to the govt to initiate action in this regard," he said responding to a query.
DC Vijay Mahantesh Danammanavar, ZP CEO Aksy Sridhar, SP Anshu Kumar Srivastav, and other Lokayukta officials were present.