by reciprocal arrangement with Star of Mysore

• Private TV channel exposes the racket
• Brazen malpractice by the netas laid bare in sting operation
• Houses rented out at low rates
• Government water and power on the house for tenants
• A minister collects Rs 1,500 each on 16 'quarters' every month

Mysore, Mar 22: In a sting operation, the CNN-IBN news channel has exposed the racket of union ministers and MPs in Delhi renting out their premises.

The channel last night telecast a scoop story, which showed outsiders staying in portions of the official quarters of the elected representatives.

The tenants pay rents ranging from Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 4,500. They enjoy free supply of water and electricity.

Union minister for surface transport K.H. Muniyappa from Karnataka is one among the netas, who have rented out a portion in the official bungalow, according to the news channel report.

Though the Minister, while talking to the channel reporter, denied the allegation, a lady was shown telling the reporter that she was a tenant in the Minister's bungalow.

According to the lady, the minister had rented out six quarters, located on No. 7 Tyagaraja Marg, meant for employees for a monthly rent of Rs. 2,500 each.

Union minister for small industries Mahabeer Prasad has rented out 16 quarters 'earning' Rs. 1,500 monthly from each unit.

The channel also found tenants in the quarters adjacent to the bungalow of Karnataka MP Manorama Madhwaraj!

There are brokers who strike deals between the VIPs and tenants. A broker was shown telling the channel reporter that he can find quarters which are even adjacent to the bungalows of the vice-president of India and Congress president Sonia Gandhi.