Sun Jun 22 13:37:55 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

A social activist in Karnataka, Omprakash Rotti, has accused the State government, particularly Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar of the Department of Women and Child Welfare, of turning a blind eye to financial irregularities. Rotti claims that Hebbalkar is protecting corrupt officers, specifically Deputy Directors Tippanna Sirasage and Ravindra Rathnakar, who are allegedly involved in misappropriation of funds and diverting milk powder intended for anganwadis to the black market. He alleges that inquiries have found the officers guilty and that the Chief Minister instructed action, yet Hebbalkar has failed to act. Rotti demands the officers’ removal and Hebbalkar’s resignation or removal from the Cabinet. Hebbalkar has stated she will respond after reviewing the cases.

**News Article:**

**Karnataka Minister Accused of Protecting Corrupt Officials in Child Welfare Department**

**Belagavi, June 22, 2025** – A Bidar-based social activist, Omprakash Rotti, has leveled serious allegations against Karnataka’s Department of Women and Child Welfare, accusing Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar of shielding corrupt officials involved in financial irregularities.

Speaking to reporters in Belagavi on Saturday, Rotti alleged that Hebbalkar is protecting Deputy Directors Tippanna Sirasage and Ravindra Rathnakar, despite evidence of their involvement in misappropriating funds and diverting milk powder meant for anganwadis to the black market.

“Following my complaints, senior officers of the department conducted departmental inquiries against the two Deputy Directors and found them guilty,” Rotti stated. “They recommended disciplinary action against them. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah instructed senior officers to take action against these officials. But Ms. Hebbalkar did not act against them. She is protecting them, in fact.”

Rotti released documents purportedly relating to the inquiries, further substantiating his claims. He is demanding the immediate removal of the accused officers and is calling for Hebbalkar’s resignation or her removal from the Cabinet.

Minister Hebbalkar has stated that she will respond to the charges after a thorough review of the cases. The allegations have sparked a controversy, raising questions about accountability and transparency within the Department of Women and Child Welfare. The situation remains to be closely watched as further developments unfold.

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