K. MALLIKARJUNA Vs. STATE OF KARNATAKA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner/accused No.5 is before this Court seeking to be enlarged on anticipatory bail in the event of his arrest for the offences punishable under Sections 406 , 409 and 420 of IPC in Chigateri Police Station Crime No.4/2020.

(2.) On the basis of the complaint filed by the Chief Executive Officer, Taluka Panchayat, Harapanahalli, the respondent-police have registered a case under Crime No.4/2020 on 16.01.2020 for the above said offences. The case of the petitioner/accused No.5 is that he had contested for Gram Panchayat election during the 2014-2015 from Mattihalli village in Harpanahalli taluk, wherein he was elected. On 09.03.2018, he was also elected as President of the said Gram Panchayat.

(3.) It is alleged that on account of some of the ill- wishers of the petitioner, a suo moto enquiry was conducted and accordingly a report dated 31.12.2019 by the Chief Accountant (Accounts Officer, Zilla Panchayat, Ballari) addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, Zilla Panchayat, Ballari, was submitted on 31.12.2019 indicting the petitioner and several other Officers of the said Gram Panchayat. The allegations in the said Enquiry Report are as regards non-furnishing of vouchers, non-furnishing of documents for certain payments and it is alleged that a total liability of Rs.45,96,368/- has been incurred by the Gram Panchayat on account of the said actions on the part of the petitioner/accused No.5 and other accused persons.