Bengaluru lottery scam: CM’s kin involved in lottery scam, says HD Kumaraswamy

BENGALURU: Giving the lottery scam a political twist, JD(S) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy on Saturday charged that a police officer related to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was involved and demanded dismissal of the Congress government.

He told the media that all corrupt police officers involved in the scam were being shielded by the Chief Minister and home minister K.J. George. “Chief Minsiter’s relative Chandrakanth, who is superintendent of police (northern range) in the lottery wing, is involved in the scam. Due to differences between police officers over sharing money, the scam has come to light.

“The government has suspended superintendent of police Dharanesh because he belongs to Dalit community, and the Chief Minister has come to the rescue of his relative, Chandrakanth,” he added.

He said going by the admission of additional commissioner of police (law and order), Alok Kumar, that he is a well-wisher of lottery kingpin Pari Rajan, the role of police officers is quite clear.

The kingpin also has links with former DGP Shankar Bidari. Pari Rajan used to meet Mr. Bidari at police the commissioner’s office and in a posh hotel in Bengaluru, he alleged. The former chief minister, however, did not release any documentary evidence in support of his charges against the Chief Minister and tainted police officers.

George slams Kumaraswamy

Home minister K.J. Geroge slammed Mr Kumaraswamy, and asked the latter to make public evidence against Mr Siddaramaiah and himself. “We have taken timely action by ordering a CID probe into the lottery scam. The government has also suspended one police officer. Based on the interim report of CID, the government will take action against errant police officials. There is no question of safeguarding any body in this case,” Mr. George told Deccan Chronicle.