Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar writes to CM Shivakumar, alleges KRIDL engineers of corruption, extortion

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Aug 31, 2026: Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai has urged Chief Minister D K Shivakumar to order an impartial inquiry into allegations of corruption, illegal collection of money and threats to contractors by officials of the Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited (KRIDL), Mangaluru division.

In a letter dated August 25, Rai alleged serious irregularities involving KRIDL Mangaluru Executive Engineer Vijay and Junior Engineer Prajwal in the execution of various development works.

The MLA said he had received complaints alleging that contractors undertaking government projects were being harassed and told to make monthly payments to the District In-charge Minister and the department minister. The complaints also alleged that an additional amount of up to seven per cent was being collected from contractors under the name of a “KRIDL charge.”

Rai further alleged that contractors who questioned or refused to comply with such demands were threatened. He urged the Chief Minister to take the allegations seriously and order a comprehensive and impartial departmental inquiry into the conduct of the two officials.

The MLA stressed that transparency, quality and adherence to rules were essential in the execution of government development projects. If the allegations are found to be true, they would amount to misuse of public funds, besides damaging the reputation of the department and eroding public confidence, he said.

Rai also requested that the officials be suspended, if necessary, or transferred in the administrative interest until the inquiry is completed. He sought strict disciplinary action under the relevant service and departmental rules if the allegations are proved.

He further said that if the inquiry establishes that government funds were misused or money was illegally collected from contractors, the government should recover the amount and initiate appropriate legal proceedings against those responsible.