Bidar, 5 July

Social activist Omprakash Rotte accused Lakshmi Hebbalkar, Minister of Women and Child Development of shielding Tippanna Sirsigi and Ravindra Ratnakar

Speaking at a press conference in the Bidar, Rotte the President of the Vishwakranti Divya Peetha, noted the alleged irregularities in recruitment, and distribution of substandard food grains in the Department of Women and Child Development.

The department then prompted a formal investigation and based on the inquiry, it recommended disciplinary action against Sirsigi and Ratnakar.

However, Hebbalkar was politically protecting the two officials instead of acting on the recommendations, Rotte charged.

Even a year after the report was submitted, no action has been taken. Instead, Ratnakar has been appointed as Public Relations Officer and continues to work under the minister, Rotte alleged.

"By protecting the corrupt, what kind of message is she trying to convey to officials in Bidar district?" he questioned.

Rotte demanded that the two officials involved in corruption be suspended immediately and that Hebbalkar be removed from the State cabinet.