Karnataka drugs department demand bribes despite ongoing investigations by Lok Ayukta
Karnataka drugs department inspectors continue to collect bribes despite the raids by the Lok Ayukta. While the investigations and interrogations are on by the Lok Ayukta, there has been a complaint by the Thayi Medicals situated in Basveshwara Nagar in north Bangalore that the drug inspectors were demanding bribes for no reason.
B Thirukanvarsu, proprietor, Thayi medicals who appeared before the Lok Ayukta said that he was being harassed by the drug inspectors for refusing to pay the bribe.
He informed that the drug inspectors used to collect Rs. 1,000 as bribe from every medical store and give the inspection reports to the to the pharmacists within 15 minutes. "However when I refused to pay the bribe during their inspection rounds on April 7, 2003 just 10 days after the raid at the drugs control department, they harassed me and continued to unnecessarily inspect and ask irrelevant questions."
He also alleged that H Jayaram, additional drugs controller who recently submitted his resignation had visited the chemists in north Bangalore and demanded donations to organize a cricket tournament which was being organized by the latter's uncle.