Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy alleges Hassan DC paid bribe to retain post
· India · The Hindu, NDTV
Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy alleged that Hassan Deputy Commissioner K.S. Latha Kumari retained her post by paying ₹75 lakh to Excise Minister K.M. Shivalinge Gowda and staged a WhatsApp conversation to bribe district minister. The minister released excerpts from a purported WhatsApp chat involving the Deputy Commissioner’s personal assistant Shashikiran, demanding ₹60 lakh and naming those with whom the money would be shared. Kumaraswamy demanded an investigation and called for seizure of the involved phone. Meanwhile, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar visited the Hasanamba temple, praising the DC but acknowledging allegations due to her refusal to yield. Hassan DC K.S. Latha Kumari has denied the claims.
Why it matters
The controversy implicates senior state ministers and could trigger a high‑level probe into alleged extortion, potentially leading to disciplinary action against the excise minister and the deputy commissioner. The accusations may erode public confidence in IAS officials and prompt tighter oversight of district‑level clearances for stone crushers in Karnataka. The investigation also highlights the intersection of mining permits and political pressure in Hassan district. The issue is being closel
Read the original report — The Hindu
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