Bengaluru, 27 July

The BJP on Monday demanded cancellation of the internal inquiry ordered by the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) into allegations of large-scale corruption in the recruitment of veterinary officers and sought a probe by the CBI or a sitting judge of the Karnataka High Court.

The BJP delegation led by Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R Ashoka, and consisting of Opposition leader in Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy and senior MLA and former Minister Suresh Kumar on Monday visited the KPSC office and submitted a letter demanding probe by the CBI or a sitting judge of the Karnataka High Court.

There are allegations that bribes of up to Rs 80 lakh were collected from candidates during the recruitment process conducted by the KPSC. The allegations have caused concern among job aspirants and the public, the BJP's letter addressed to the KPSC President said.

The BJP leaders criticised the KPSC's decision to conduct an internalinquiry through its own officials, stating that an institution facing allegations of corruption cannot be allowed to investigate itself.

"When serious allegations of corruption have been made against an institution itself, allowing the same institution to investigate the allegations against it goes against the principles of natural justice," they said.