Lokayukta Justice Vishwanath Shetty stabbed in his office, Assailant arrested

Lokayukta Justice Vishwanath Shetty stabbed in his office, Assailant arrested

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Mar 7, 2018: Karnataka Lokayukta Justice Vishwanath Shetty was stabbed by a youth in his office on Wednesday, March 7. Justice Shetty was rushed to the Mallya hospital where he has been kept in the intensive care unit (ICU). State Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy confirmed that the Lokayukta is out of danger but he has been kept under observation and is being closely monitored.

Accused identified as Tejraj Sharma from Tumkur district. The incident happened around 1.45 pm, closer to lunch hours. The Lokayukta’s door assistant heard his screams and rushed inside for his help when the assailant tried to assault him as well, but he luckily escaped unhurt.

According to sources, Tejraj Sharma entered the office on the pretext of lodging a complaint. They said that five minutes after he entered the Lokayukta’s chamber, the staff outside heard screams. When they rushed in, they found Mr. Shetty in a pool of blood. Mr. Shetty was stabbed thrice and was immediately rushed to Mallya Hospital nearby.

Meanwhile, police overpowered Tejraj Sharma and have now taken him into custody. Justice Shetty’s life was saved because he was wearing a three-piece suit, which stopped the knife from going in too deep. The government said a thorough probe has been ordered.

Bengaluru Police Commissioner Suneel Kumar said that preliminary investigations have revealed that Tejraj had filed a complaint with the Lokayukta against 10 government officers who deal with supply of furniture.

“He was unhappy that his complaint was not being heard. This is the fourth time he had complained to the Lokayukta that he wasn’t getting tenders and that could be the motive. It is being treated as an attempt to murder,” he said.

When asked how the man was able to walk into the chamber with a knife, the Bengaluru top cop said the metal detector placed outside wasn’t working. “We are looking into the security lapses... Not sure how the Lokayukta keeps the gunman placed... Still to get the clarification on that,” he said.

The political blame game has already begun over the issue. The opposition BJP and JDS have attacked the ruling Congress in the poll-bound state for total collapse of law and order.