March 7,2018:
On Wednesday, Karnataka Lokayukta, Justice Vishwanatha Shetty was stabbed at least three times in his office while hearing a case, exposing a major security loophole in Ombudsman’s office.
He has been rushed to Mallya hospital where he is being treated in the emergency section.
A man named Tejas Sharma has been taken into custody and sources said that there were multiple cases being probed against the man.
Karnataka Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy stated that Shetty is out of danger and that the assailant has been arrested.
Culprit Chief minister Siddaramaiah also reached Mallya hospital to meet Justice Shetty, who is a former Karnataka HC Judge.
Chief Minister stated that,"The man (Tejas) had lodged a complaint with the Lokayukta about a corrupt official and later received an acknowledgement that the case has been closed. He came to meet the Lokayukta after this".
He further added that," The accused carried a large weapon and had entered the chamber of the Lokayukta (whose gunman was outside) and stabbed him there. He has now been picked up, and action would be taken if we find any lapse in security”.
Metal detector at Lokyukta's Office is defunct and may be the lapse that allowed Sharma to sneak in the knife used in the stabbing. Government said a thorough probe has been ordered.
Criticism from various quarters have already began pouring in with Former Prime Minister and JD(S) national president saying that the Congress government has been trying to kill the institution of the Lokayukta and this attack is just one blow.
An eyewitness stated that,"One person attempted to murder the judge. He hit him 3 times with his knife. The judge fell on the floor. So you can see what kind of security Siddaramaiah government has provided us. Situation is very bad".
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