'Graft overflowing in every dept': Karnataka 5th most corrupt state, says Upalokayukta, warns of ‘grave danger’

MANDYA: Karnataka govt faced a fresh round of embarrassment Thursday after Upalokayukta Justice B Veerappa said the state ranked fifth among the country's most corrupt states and warned that graft was "overflowing in every department".

The former Karnataka high court judge, known as the "Judge of the common man" for promoting accessible and speedy justice delivery, said 1,281 cases of corruption were registered across 16 districts in the state.

The Upalokayukta's salvo comes amid sustained attacks from opposition BJP and JD(S) over graft allegations against the Siddaramaiah-led dispensation.

Speaking after disposing of pending Lokayukta cases in Mandya and Malavalli taluks Thursday, Veerappa said: "Corruption is overflowing in every department of the state. If this menace is not curbed, a grave danger awaits us. Change must come from both officials and citizens."

He cited Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index, which ranked India 91st among 180 countries with a score of 39 out of 100.

Though India's score of 39 marked an improvement over previous years, it still remained below the global average of 42, according to the index.

Sounding a warning for corrupt govt officials, Veerappa said: "Officials have been given the authority to serve the people. They must discharge their duties honestly and with dedication. Otherwise, action will have to be taken."

Further illustrating the point, he cited the Constitution drafted by Dr B R Ambedkar, saying it was meant to guarantee equal opportunity to all citizens.

Appointed Upalokayukta by the Congress govt in 2024, Veerappa earlier headed the Karnataka State Legal Services Authority, where he oversaw disposal of a record one crore pre-litigation and pending cases through Lok Adalats, setting a national benchmark.

He also played a key role in the state govt's decision to offer a 50% rebate on traffic fines -- a move that boosted revenue collection.