Scientist works in 2 establishments

BANGALORE: One man, two jobs.
A scientist with National Aeronautics Laboratory (NAL), a central government organisation, worked in two establishments — one of the central government and the other Karnataka government — for 20 years before CBI sleuths ensnared him in Bangalore.
The truth came to light when the CBI raided his house on Whitefield Road on Wednesday.
CBI sources said I.P. Venkataramanappa worked at the NAL, Airport Road office, for 30 years. He was also an assistant controller in the state government’s legal metrology department in Haveri since 1983.
He had managed to work in both places without being detected. The CBI has in its possession all documents pertaining to the jobs the officer held, including his salary slips and appointment orders.
Venkataramanappa, who held the post of president of NAL Officers’ SC/ST Association, used this position to take off from work under some pretext and go to Haveri to register his presence at the other job.
Besides, he used to go to Haveri on weekends since Saturday is a central government holiday, work for a day and sign the attendance register for the entire week.
The travel time between Bangalore and Haveri is eight hours.
Venkataramanappa’s basic salary at NAL was Rs 13,500, and at the legal metrology department, Haveri, Rs 6,700.
He was also entitled to perks that central and state government employees enjoy.
The CBI conducted the raids after obtaining the consent of both the central and state governments, and the Union cabinet secretariat, which is a statutory requirement.
Sources said the officer was under “watch’’ after the CBI received information. The investigative agency confirmed this.
When the CBI questioned the officer, he admitted to holding two jobs, but did not give details, saying, “Anyway I am caught’’. The CBI has sought the service records of the officer from the respective governments.