Bengaluru: Former Lokayukta, Justice Venkatachala, credited with being the first to give anti-corruption institution its fearsome reputation, passed away in the city on Wednesday morning. He was rushed to M.S. Ramaiah Memorial Hospital after he suffered a fall at his home around 6 am, where he was declared dead an hour later after failing to respond to treatment. The body was shifted to his Sadashivanagar home, where thousands, including several VVIPs, gathered to pay their last respects. Family sources say the last rites will be decided after his son and daughter arrive from the US.
Justice Venkatachala led from the front and the Lokayukta conducted multiple raids on corrupt officials, hospitals and even police stations during his tenure. Under him, the Lokayukta became a household name and for the first time in the country, the public saw how even the most powerful people could be brought to book.
“His legacy will live on,” said incumbent Lokayukta Vishwanath Shetty.
“Lokayukta Venkatachala's death is an irreparable loss. He worked hard to get justice for everyone and for a corruption-free society. May the Lord give his family and countless fans the power to endure their suffering,” CM Yediyurappa said on Twitter, where several top officials and ministers also paid their respects.
