Sasikala prison bribery charges: Karnataka government orders ACB probe
Karnataka government ordered an Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) inquiry into the alleged special privileges granted to AIADMK's Sasikala. Presently, she is lodged in Bengaluru Central Prison, serving a four-year sentence in a disproportionate assets case. In explosive claims, former deputy inspector general (Prisons) Roopa Moudgal alleged that a bribe of Rs. 2cr was paid to senior prison officials, including director general (prisons) HN Sathyanarayana Rao.
What kind of special treatments did Sasi receive?
In a two-part report, Moudgal insisted that Jayalalithaa's key aide was allowed bigger accommodation, a TV, a pressure cooker and other basics. What's more, food was specially cooked for her and she was allowed to wear her own clothes. She had free access to a specially-set-up meeting room and a steady flow of visitors. After these accusations emerged, Roopa was shunted out.
What steps did the government take after this revelation?
After these allegations came to light, the government constituted the Vinay Kumar Committee to look into the matter. Though the outcome was confidential, it allegedly concurred with Moudgal's observations. Subsequently, the government ordered ACB to register a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act against two officials and submit a report within three months.
What else did the report recommend?
Moudgal and Rao were transferred to different departments. The committee's other recommendations include conducting inquiries against Rao and Moudgal for flouting service rules by speaking to the press without government's permission. It also suggested setting up more CCTV cameras and mobile jammers in state's prisons. Inquiries have been instituted against the prison's former superintendents. Interestingly, it didn't recommend probing the corruption angle.
What does Moudgal have to say?
Rao has denied these allegations and filed a defamation case against Moudgal. Conversely, Moudgal welcomed the move and was willing to face any inquiry. She claimed that service rules prohibit employees from criticizing the government, adding, "Nowhere in my report or in my statements have I criticized the government." She stated that she has furnished her response regarding the inquiry against her.
What does this mean for Sasikala?
Troubles seem to be piling on Sasikala. Two days before she was packed off to the prison, she tried becoming TN's CM, despite internal rebellion. Before things could be sorted, SC upheld her conviction. So, she along with the co-accused, her niece Ilavarasi and nephew VN Sudhakaran, went to prison. Her other nephew, Dhinakaran, continued holding the fort. These allegations will exacerbate her plight.
