Lokayukta clears previous BJP government in one 40% commission allegation case

Karnataka Lokayukta dismissed the allegation made by a deceased contractor, R Ambikapathi, who claimed in a TV interview that bribes were paid to secure contracts within the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).
Lokayukta’s investigation revealed that Ambikapathi was not awarded any contracts for five years up to 2022.
Further inquiry into his allegations was hindered due to Ambikapathi’s death November 27, 2023. His son said he had no knowledge of his father’s work-related dealings.
Saying the allegations lacked any supporting evidence, the Lokayukta concluded the claims to be baseless.
“There are multiple cases registered regarding allegations of a 40% commission. This particular case of complainant Ambikapathi was registered, and the investigation was completed in June,” the office of Lokayukta told India Today Digital.
“Contractor Ambikapathi, who is no longer alive, had not procured any government contracts for five years leading up to 2022. Therefore, there is no proof to support his allegations,” the statement added.
However, the Lokayukta office clarified that the investigation into another complaint, filed by the contractors’ association led by D Kempanna, was still underway. “The investigation into that case is still ongoing and has not been closed,” the Lokayukta told India Today Digital.
Kempanna, who as the president of Karnataka State Contractors’ was at the forefront of its fight against the ‘40% commission’ scam by the previous BJP government, died of a heart attack on September 19, 2024. He had even written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior BJP leaders regarding the corruption and bribery.
The Karnataka BJP welcomed the Lokayukta’s decision and said that it proved the innocence of the party’s previous government, and that the allegations levelled by the Congress against it as completely “false”.
Former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa, said: “Lokayukta probe itself has said the allegations were false. I will ask the Congress leaders to speak carefully from here on, as making such false allegations is of no use.”
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi criticised the ruling Congress and said it should apologise for making such false allegations.