Hassan Deputy Commissioner K.S. Latha Kumari is facing a complaint to the Lokayukta over allegations linked to WhatsApp conversations involving her personal assistant, unauthorised statements to the media and the handling of official files, according to remarks by MLA A. Manju reported by Prajavani.
Speaking at a press conference in Hassan, Manju said government officials could not make statements to the media without prior approval under the 1968 All India Services rules. He called on the Chief Secretary to clarify whether the Deputy Commissioner had obtained the required permission and urged action if any rule had been violated.
Manju said a complaint had been submitted to the Lokayukta based on conversations in the WhatsApp chat. He also referred to the alleged submission of a separate complaint by the Deputy Commissioner’s personal assistant and said relevant documents had been provided. A complaint had also been submitted to the cyber division, he said.
The MLA demanded a comprehensive investigation into the documents and allegations concerning the Deputy Commissioner. The report does not establish whether the Lokayukta or cyber division has begun an inquiry, nor does it include a response from Latha Kumari to the allegations.
Manju also raised separate allegations concerning the Deputy Commissioner’s earlier conduct, including claims that appointment orders were issued to some engineers in connection with a Karnataka Public Service Commission recruitment process despite directions from the commission’s chairperson. He further alleged that court directions related to the matter were not followed. These claims were made by Manju and were not independently established in the supplied report.
The MLA said the Deputy Commissioner’s core responsibilities included responding to public grievances and clearing files received from taluk offices. He alleged that between 9,000 and 15,000 files were pending in the district. The report provides no official figure or breakdown of the alleged backlog.
Manju said Latha Kumari had the right to enter politics if she wished, but argued that a serving government official could not speak in favour of a political party or government. The next steps will depend on any response from the Chief Secretary, the Lokayukta or the cyber division.
