“The spectre of corruption once raised, on the basis of material placed on record, cannot be summarily extinguished at the threshold,” stated Justice M Nagaprasanna, capturing the gravity of the situation surrounding Rohini Sindhuri, a senior IAS officer from Karnataka. The Karnataka High Court has directed the state government to grant approval for the prosecution of Sindhuri in connection with allegations of corruption linked to the procurement of eco-friendly bags.
At the heart of the controversy is a complaint filed by NR Ravinchandre Gowda, a lawyer and social activist from Mysuru. The complaint alleges that the state government incurred a staggering loss of Rs 7.5 crore in 2021 due to the purchase of over 14 lakh eco-friendly cloth bags. These bags were procured at an exorbitant price of Rs 52 each, while the market price stood at just Rs 13. Such discrepancies have raised eyebrows and prompted calls for accountability within the state’s bureaucracy.
Rohini Sindhuri, who served as the deputy commissioner of Mysuru and was also the Managing Director of the Karnataka Handloom Development Corporation during the procurement period, now finds herself at the center of a legal storm. The Karnataka High Court emphasized that allegations of corruption must be thoroughly investigated and cannot be dismissed without proper inquiry. Justice M Nagaprasanna highlighted that “departmental proceedings and criminal prosecution operate in distinct spheres, governed by distinct standards of proof and objectives.”
The court’s ruling comes after the state government initially declined to grant permission for prosecution under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act. This section is intended to protect public servants from false complaints but should not be misused to obstruct serious investigations, as emphasized by Justice M Nagaprasanna. “Section 17A should not be used to block serious investigations; it is only meant to stop false complaints,” he stated, reinforcing the need for transparency and accountability.
The implications of this case extend beyond Sindhuri herself. It raises critical questions about the integrity of public procurement processes and the mechanisms in place to hold officials accountable. The court criticized the government for not adequately reviewing the matter and reiterated the necessity for a thorough investigation into the allegations against Sindhuri.
As a senior IAS officer of the 2009 batch from the Karnataka cadre, Rohini Sindhuri has been a prominent figure in the state’s administration. However, her career has not been without controversy. Earlier in 2023, she was involved in a highly publicized feud with IPS officer D. Roopa, further complicating her public image. This latest legal battle adds another layer to her already complex narrative.
With the Karnataka High Court’s directive, the state government is now expected to permit the Lokayukta police to file a First Information Report (FIR) against Sindhuri. The outcome of this case could have significant repercussions not only for her career but also for the broader landscape of governance and accountability in Karnataka. As the situation unfolds, observers will be watching closely to see how the state navigates these serious allegations and what it means for public trust in its institutions.
