• Kumaraswamy alleges Rs 75 lakh was paid to prevent Latha Kumari’s transfer.
• He claims WhatsApp chats point to an alleged bribery network in Hassan.
• Karnataka Minister KM Shivalingegowda has also been named in the allegations.
• Deputy Commissioner Latha Kumari denies the charges and says a police complaint is being filed.

GG News Bureau
Hassan, 9th Nov: Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy has triggered a political controversy with Hassan bribery allegations, claiming that Rs 75 lakh was paid to prevent the transfer of Hassan Deputy Commissioner Latha Kumari. The officer has strongly denied the allegations, termed them fake news and said a police complaint is being filed.

Speaking to reporters in Hassan after visiting the historic Hasanamba temple, Kumaraswamy read out excerpts from what he described as a WhatsApp conversation between an unidentified person and Latha Kumari’s personal assistant, Shashikiran. He claimed the conversation contained information about the alleged bribery.

Kumaraswamy accused the Deputy Commissioner’s office of collecting bribes from stone crusher owners and residential layout developers in return for permissions and clearance of land conversion files. He also released copies of WhatsApp chats, alleging that they pointed to a network involving middlemen and senior district officials.

According to the Union Minister, Shashikiran was allegedly collecting money through intermediaries and handing it over to the Deputy Commissioner. Kumaraswamy further alleged that Karnataka Minister and Hassan district in-charge KM Shivalingegowda was involved in the network and that Rs 75 lakh had been paid to him to prevent Latha Kumari’s transfer.

Responding to the allegations, Latha Kumari rejected the claims and said a police complaint was being filed to establish the facts.

“Spreading such fake news is an unforgivable crime. Spreading false information to defame someone, weaken them, target them, or put them down is something we have never done, will not do in the future, nor have we done in the past,” she said.

She added that a complaint was being submitted to the police and that a thorough investigation would bring the truth to light.

The officer also said that if her personal assistant or any section of her office had sent an erroneous message, strict action would be taken. She warned against circulating unverified information to the media and the public.

“We have never done anything wrong, nor are we doing it, nor will we do it. I want to make this message very clear, and I request everyone not to believe it. Let this be investigated; whoever is at fault must face strict action and bear the consequences,” she added.

The allegations have brought the functioning of the district administration and the role of political office-bearers under scrutiny. The claims remain allegations, while the officer has called for a police investigation.