Karnataka Congress MLA Shivamurthy Naik is now in the eye of a controversy after a senior IAS officer, on Tuesday, complained of verbal abuse and intimidation by the MLA. The officer has also sought protection.
IAS officer Rajendra Kumar Kataria, Secretary to the Commerce and Industries Department (MSME and Mines), has told the government that Mayakonda MLA K Shivamurthy Naik, has abused him at least three times.
Officer Rajendra has alleged that Naik’s son Suraj S Naik was not granted a granite mining licence, due to which he had to face abuse at the hands of the MLA. Suraj had reportedly sought a lease in Siddeshwaranadurga village, Challakere, Chitradurga district, for mining rights.
Now, Rajendra Kataria has written to the Chief Secretary Subash Chandra Khuntia, the IAS Officers Association President P Ravikumar, and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s Principal Secretary LK Ateeq in this regard.
“It is very difficult to carry out my official duties impartially without any fear or favour. He (Naik) is preventing the government officers to carry out official duties and this is a crime under Section 353 of the IPC.”
Section 353 concerns assault or use of criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging his/her duty.
On Tuesday, IAS officer Rajendra Kataria met CM Siddaramaiah and complained about the MLA.
According to Rajendra Kataria’s letter, Suraj had applied for a lease on March 24, 2015. He was declared ineligible according to the Karnataka Minor Mineral Concession (Amendment) Rules of 2016. Rule 8B states that applications received prior to August 12, 2016 are not eligible. Hence, Suraj’s application for a lease was denied.
“Even after repeatedly explaining this to Naik, he continued to abuse me,” Kataria’s letter states.
The letter alleges that Naik entered Rajendra Kataria’s office on October 9 (Monday) and began screaming at him.
Kataria’s letter accuses the MLA of saying, “You are my servant and if you don’t listen to my orders, be ready to face dire consequences. You are looting money in this department.”
“He was trying to force me to get the file immediately and approve it today itself. He also mentioned that he is the government and his orders have to be complied with,” Kataria’s letter adds.
President of the IAS Officers Association Ravi Kumar has condemned the incident and said that the association stands by Kataria.
“Elected representatives must allow government servants to do their jobs properly. This is an attempt to intimidate and also amounts to obstruction of government work. The Chief Minister has said he will take action,” said Ravi Kumar.