Bengaluru
Lokayukta officials have informed Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh that former Lokayukta SP Srinath Mahadev Joshi is the second accused in an ongoing extortion case.
In a letter sent last month, the Lokayukta attached the investigation report of the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) and the complete charge sheet against Joshi, requesting disciplinary action. Preliminary findings suggest serious violations of the All India Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, prompting the Lokayukta to seek urgent action.
According to the letter, Joshi allegedly conspired with Ningappa in criminal activities. Out of 24 crypto wallets found on Ningappa’s phone, Rs 4.92 crore was invested in 13 wallets, a portion of which is suspected to belong to Joshi. WhatsApp chats indicate that Joshi and Ningappa allegedly extorted money by threatening government officials over illegal property holdings.
Of the three mobile phones produced by Joshi during investigation, two have been sent to the CID and Cyber Crime Police, while the third, which was damaged, has been sent to the National Forensic Science University in Gujarat for data recovery. The FSL report is still awaited.
The Lokayukta emphasized that further investigation is required after receiving the forensic analysis to gather additional evidence, witnesses, and details. The communication highlights the preliminary gravity of the findings against Joshi and requests the Chief Secretary to initiate appropriate action under service rules while investigations continue.