Bengaluru: Tainted Lokayukta Justice Y Bhaskar Rao has extended his leave once again for 45 days effective from October 22. This is the fifth time that Rao has extended his leave in the past three months. His leave spree began after his son Yerabati Ashwin was arrested by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) for running the extortion racket.

Rao first took leave from July 27 to August 14. However, he extended his leave till August 31. He again extended his leave till September 30 from August 31. He further extended his leave till October 21.On Tuesday, October 20, Rao sent an intimation extending his leave for another 45 days to Registrar M S Balakrishna (Incharge), who in turn informed the same to Governor Vajubhai Vala, Chief Secretary Kaushik Mukherjee and office of the Accountant General.

He is still left with another 100 days of leave excluding his current 45-days leave, sources in the Lokayukta said.
Justice Rao’s prolonged absence has been affecting the Lokayukata’s functioning. The number of files awaiting his approval has gone up to 1,000. Among them is the complaint against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the Arkavathi Layout denotification, which is in the stage of final scrutiny. This has paved way for senior corrupt officials to get away if scrutiny notes are not approved for the prosecution before they retire.

It may be recalled that five charge-sheets were filed against Yerabati Ashwin. Justice Rao was also grilled in connection with the incident.