Karnataka Lokayukta report: 40% commission demand due to BJP government’s dead contractor allegations unsubstantiated – Karnataka News

Karnataka Lokayukta rejected the claim of a deceased contractor, R Ambikapathi, who alleged in a TV interview that bribes were paid to win contracts within the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).

Lokayukta’s investigation revealed that Ambikapathi has not been given five-year contracts until 2022.

Further investigation into his allegations was hampered due to Ambikapathi’s death on November 27, 2023. His son said he had no knowledge of his father’s work-related actions.

The Lokayukta said the allegations did not have any supporting evidence and concluded that the claims were baseless.

“Several cases have been registered regarding allegations of 40% commission. This particular case of complainant Ambikapathi was registered and investigation was completed in June,” Lokayukta office told India Today Digital.

“Contractor Ambikapathi, who is no longer alive, had not won any government contracts in the five years leading up to 2022. Therefore, there is no evidence to support his claims,” the statement said.

However, the Lokayukta office clarified that investigation into another complaint filed by the contractors association led by D Kempanna was still on. “The investigation into this case is still ongoing and has not been concluded yet,” the Lokayukta told India Today Digital.

Kempanna, who as president of Karnataka State Contractors was at the forefront of the fight against the ‘40% commission’ scam by the previous BJP government, died of a heart attack on September 19, 2024. He had even written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior BJP leaders about the corruption and bribery.

The Karnataka BJP welcomed Lokayukta’s decision, saying it proved the innocence of the party’s previous government and termed Congress’ allegations against it as completely “false”.

Former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa said, “The Lokayukta investigation itself has said that the allegations were false. I will ask Congress leaders to speak cautiously from now on as making such false allegations serves no purpose.”

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi criticized the ruling Congress and said it should apologize for making such false allegations.