Hassan DC dismisses corruption allegations as baseless
The Deputy Commissioner stated that action will be taken against those spreading false information to tarnish the district administration's image.
Hassan Deputy Commissioner KS Latha Kumari has dismissed allegations of corruption within the district administration, according to The New Indian Express.
The controversy began on Sunday when Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy released alleged WhatsApp chats. The messages purportedly involved a request for a bribe to clear files for a stone quarry unit.
The chats claimed that Rs 75 lakh was to be given to Hassan district in-charge minister KM Shivalingegowda through Arasikere tahsildar Santosh to prevent the transfer of Latha Kumari. Shivalingegowda denied the claims, stating the chats appear to be created using AI and that he is ready to take an oath before Goddess Hasanamba to prove his innocence.
The minister added that copies of the chats have been sent to the State Forensic Laboratory for verification. He also stated he is ready for a legal battle.
On Monday, the personal assistant (PA) of the Deputy Commissioner, Shashikiran, lodged a police complaint. Shashikiran alleged that an unknown miscreant created fake WhatsApp chats.
Sources said the police have seized the mobile phone of Shashikiran as part of the investigation.