Yeddyurappa Directs BBMP Chief Subramanya To Withdraw Case Against Lokayukta

Karnataka CM B S Yeddyurappa Karnataka CM B S Yeddyurappa on Monday criticized Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Commissioner S Subramanya over the defamation case he lodged against Lokayukta Justice N Santosh Hegde.

Moreover, Mr. Yeddyurappa directed Subramanya to withdraw his case immediately.

Subramanya, on Saturday, registered a defamation case against Hegde for `allegedly' passing nasty comments against him on the Abhishek drowning incident.

Subramanya filed the case in the 5th additional city metropolitan magistrate's court for starting legal proceedings under Section 499 and 500 of the IPC against Justice Hegde and the chief reporter of the channel.

Abhishek, a 6-year-old boy, was washed away in an overflowing drain in Shamanna Layout in Lingarajapuram on May 31 following heavy rains.

After directing BBMP commissioner to back out the case after a gathering on Monday, he responsively followed it up with a letter.

The sources in the CM’s office said that Subramanya was advised not to press the matter more, considering his post and in the interest of maintaining cordial relations between different agencies.

In an interview, the Lokayukta said that the commissioner was not showing keen interest in the case, and not found enough time to meet the family members of the child.

In his reply, BBMP chief said that he visited the family members of the kid on Sunday night when this tragedy took place.

He added that he did not publicize the matter.

Subramanya said, “When I received the news that night, I visited the spot without disclosing my identity fearing public reprisal. Thereafter, I visited the control room to co-ordinate efforts and took action against the errant officials.”

"Despite all this, the Lokayukta in an interview passed malicious remarks saying I didn't show the courtesy to console the family. He also attributed that I as commissioner acted in an inhumane manner. The Lokayukta had differences with me over plan sanction for UB City," Subramanya has said in his complaint.

However, Subramanya said that the case had been withdrawn.

Subramanya said, “I have withdrawn the case following the chief minister’s directive. I filed this defamation case to safeguard my self-respect; there’s nothing more to it.’’