Mangaluru: The assistant director of Mangaluru Taluk Panchayat, who reportedly revealed before Mangaluru City North MLA Y. Bharath Shetty details of alleged corruption in the Finance Department, has been relieved of the additional charge of executive officer (EO) of the TP.

G. Sadananda was caught on camera on Saturday admitting before Mr. Shetty that he was collecting bribes from each of Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) as he needed to pay higher-ups in Finance Department for release of grants. The admission was made following a visit by Mr. Shetty to the taluk panchayat following protests by the PDOs over delay by the EO in clearing the budget of the panchayat.

Mr. Shetty told reporters on Tuesday that he immediately brought the incident to the notice of Deputy Commissioner Sasikanth Senthil S. and zilla panchayat CEO M.R. Ravi. “The PDOs openly confronted Mr. Sadananda before me about the demand for bribe. He admitted to demanding bribes and said he needed to pay the same to officials in the Finance Department for release of grants. This is the first time I am seeing an official speaking about corruption in release of funds,” Mr. Shetty said.

He said he has sent a detailed SMS to the two officials and sought an inquiry. Nalin Kumar Kateel, MP, said the incident shows in poor light the Finance Department, which was in the control of the Chief Minister. “The government should reveal the truth and take action against all involved,” he said.

Following the SMS from Mr. Shetty, Mr. Ravi issued a notice on Monday to Mr. Sadananda, asking him to explain why action should not be taken against him for the alleged violation of Rule 3 of the Karnataka Civil Service Conduct Rules of 1966. Not satisfied with the reply from Mr. Sadananda, Mr. Ravi on Tuesday relieved him ofm the additional charge. He has asked N. Sujanchandra Rao, assistant executive engineer, Panchayat Engineering sub-division, to shoulder the charge of EO.

Mr. Ravi has also directed the Joint Director of the Agriculture Department to look into Mr. Sadananda’s claim and submit a report by September 20.