Complaint alleges ganja use, corruption by Bescom director; Letter sent to CM, Dy.CM

Bengaluru

A detailed complaint submitted to the State government has levelled serious allegations against a senior official of the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom), including claims of ganja consumption while on duty, corruption, abuse of official position and prolonged continuation in the same post in violation of service rules. 

The letter has been addressed to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and Chief Secretary Shalini Rajaneesh, seeking immediate intervention and disciplinary action.

The complainant, Zaheer Ahmad Khan, in his petition, alleged that H J Ramesh, Director (Technical), Bescom, repeatedly consumed ganja before reporting to office and engaged in rude behaviour with colleagues. Khan claimed that such conduct not only violated service discipline but also created an intimidating and hostile work environment for employees within the power utility.

According to the complaint, the official has continued in the same position for several years despite service norms that restrict prolonged tenure in a single post. Khan alleged that the officer managed to remain in the post by resorting to “indirect and unlawful methods,” undermining administrative transparency and fairness. The letter claimed that such prolonged continuation enabled the concentration of power and facilitated alleged financial irregularities.

The complainant further stated that a Lokayukta inquiry is already pending against the officer. Despite this, the official is alleged to have continued exercising substantial control over technical and administrative decisions within Bescom. Khan questioned why the officer was allowed to remain in charge even as serious allegations were under investigation.

The letter also alleged large-scale financial misconduct, accusing the Bescom director of amassing disproportionate assets through misuse of official authority. Khan claimed that funds were allegedly siphoned off and invested in properties and other assets within Basaveshwara Nagar. The complaint further alleged that manipulation of official decisions and technical approvals was used to facilitate illegal financial gains.

In addition to corruption-related allegations, the complaint accused the official of intimidating staff members. According to the letter, employees who questioned decisions or refused to comply with alleged illegal instructions were threatened with notices, inquiries and disciplinary action without valid grounds. This, the complainant claimed, was done to silence dissent and ensure uninterrupted control over departmental operations.

Khan urged the State government to order an independent and comprehensive probe into the allegations, enforce service rules regarding tenure, and take disciplinary as well as criminal action if violations are established. The letter also sought protection for whistleblowers and employees who may cooperate with any investigation.