Madikeri: Coorg Wildlife Society (CWS) Hon. Treasurer C.S. Poovaiah, has tendered his resignation from the post over violations of the Society bylaws by certain individuals in CWS.

In his letter to the President of CWS dated Feb. 18, 2020, Poovaiah has stated, “It is with anguish and a heavy heart I am writing this letter to you.  As per the bylaw, the Secretary is responsible for administration and approving the bills of CWS and hence prudently has not authorised him to sign cheques on behalf of CWS to avoid conflict of interest. The bylaw authorises only the President or the Executive Vice-President and Hon. Treasurer to sign cheques (the signature of the Treasurer is mandatory) to prevent any financial fraud.”

Continuing, he has stated that the malafide approval given at the AGM to pay Rs. 90,000 to Col. C.P.  Muthanna, former CWS President, towards his lawyer’s fees for his personal Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in the High Court much against the written disapproval of such payments by the auditors shows favouritism and cronyism. 

Poovaiah said that the urgency in which the cheque for Rs. 90,000 was given to Col. Muthanna within a few hours after the AGM, without preparing  the minutes of the AGM and without consulting the Treasurer and without obtaining the signature of the Treasurer, is a gross violation of all financial norms and the bylaws of CWS.

Pointing out that his complaint was treated very casually, Poovaiah has stated that CWS is being run as per the whims and fancies of a few individuals in CWS.