Incense Sticks Sent to Lokayukta in Symbolic Protest Over Unattended Complaint
In a striking and symbolic demonstration against perceived administrative inaction, social activist HB Manjunath has dispatched incense sticks to the Lokayukta office in Bengaluru. The gesture was a sarcastic plea for officials to 'perform puja' on complaint files that have remained unattended for multiple years, highlighting deep-seated frustrations with the pace of justice.
Alleged Misuse of Public Funds in KR Pete
The protest stems from a serious complaint filed by Manjunath concerning the alleged misuse of public funds in KR Pete. According to the activist's allegations, approximately Rs 50 lakh was reportedly allocated and spent on constructing an additional hall at the Kasim Khan Community Hall premises. However, Manjunath asserts that no such new hall was ever built, raising critical questions about the proper utilization of taxpayer money and potential corruption.
Timeline of the Complaint and Investigation
Manjunath initially approached the Lokayukta in 2022, formally lodging a complaint and requesting a thorough inquiry into the matter. During the subsequent investigation, a departmental engineer submitted a report claiming that only repairs were made to an existing old structure at the site, rather than addressing the core allegation that a new hall was never constructed.
The activist has vehemently contested this report, labeling it as misleading and accusing it of being designed to cover up irregularities. In November 2024, Manjunath submitted a fresh representation to the Lokayukta, accompanied by additional documents and evidence. His petition explicitly called for legal action against the officer who allegedly submitted the false report and demanded a reinvestigation by a different official to ensure fairness and transparency.
Frustration with Delayed Action
Despite repeated follow-ups and efforts to seek updates, Manjunath alleges that no meaningful action has been taken to date. His frustration peaked when he filed an application under the Right to Information (RTI) Act to ascertain the status of his complaint. The response from the Lokayukta office reportedly stated only that the 'application was kept in the file,' further exacerbating his sense of neglect.
Symbolic Protest and Citizen Disappointment
Speaking to media outlets, Manjunath expressed his profound disappointment, stating, 'Frustrated by the prolonged delay, I decided to send incense sticks to the Lokayukta office as a symbolic protest. If officials cannot act on complaints, they might as well worship the files they kept pending.' On a recent Saturday, he sent three packs of incense sticks to the Bengaluru Lokayukta office, urging them to perform puja for the complaint that has been languishing in files.
He emphasized that citizens often approach authorities with genuine concerns for public welfare, despite facing personal difficulties. 'It is painful when such complaints are simply stored in files without justice being delivered even after several years,' Manjunath added, underscoring the broader implications for accountability and governance in Karnataka.
This unusual protest not only highlights a specific case of alleged corruption but also serves as a poignant commentary on systemic delays in addressing public grievances, calling for urgent reforms in administrative responsiveness and transparency.
