Rohini sindhuri: Bengaluru’s Faces Corruption Allegations
“The spectre of corruption once raised, on the basis of material placed on record, cannot be summarily extinguished at the threshold,” stated Justice M Nagaprasanna of the Karnataka High Court, as the court directed the state government to grant approval for the prosecution of IAS officer Rohini Sindhuri in a significant corruption case.
This ruling comes in light of allegations surrounding the procurement of eco-friendly bags, which reportedly resulted in a staggering loss of Rs 7.5 crore to the state government. The complaint, filed by NR Ravinchandre Gowda, a lawyer and social activist from Mysuru, claims that the bags were purchased at Rs 52 each, while the market price stood at just Rs 13, raising serious questions about the integrity of the procurement process.
At the time of the alleged misconduct, Rohini Sindhuri was serving as the deputy commissioner of Mysuru and also held the position of Managing Director of the Karnataka Handloom Development Corporation. The case revolves around the purchase of over 14 lakh eco-friendly cloth bags in 2021, a decision that has now come under intense scrutiny.
The Karnataka High Court’s decision to allow the prosecution marks a pivotal moment in the investigation. The court emphasized that corruption allegations must be thoroughly investigated and cannot be dismissed without a proper inquiry. Justice M Nagaprasanna further clarified, “Departmental proceedings and criminal prosecution operate in distinct spheres, governed by distinct standards of proof and objectives.”
Initially, the state government had declined permission for prosecution under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, which was intended to protect public servants from frivolous complaints. However, the court criticized the government for not adequately reviewing the matter and reiterated the necessity for a comprehensive investigation into the allegations.
Justice M Nagaprasanna also remarked, “Section 17A should not be used to block serious investigations; it is only meant to stop false complaints.” This statement underscores the court’s commitment to ensuring accountability and transparency within the ranks of public service.
As a senior IAS officer of the 2009 batch from the Karnataka cadre, Rohini Sindhuri has been a prominent figure in the state’s administrative landscape. However, her recent legal troubles have overshadowed her career, particularly following a highly publicized feud with IPS officer D. Roopa earlier this year.
With the court’s directive, the state government is now required to grant permission under the Prevention of Corruption Act for the Lokayukta police to file an FIR against Rohini Sindhuri. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the integrity of public service in Karnataka and the ongoing fight against corruption in the region.
