BENGALURU, March 13 -- The Karnataka government has ordered an inquiry by a retired judge into allegations that some employees in the Transport Department used fraudulent diploma certificates to obtain promotions.

Responding to questions from JD(S) member TA Sharavana in the Legislative Council, transport minister Ramalinga Reddy on Wednesday said preliminary findings suggested irregularities and that the investigation would also examine the possible involvement of the department of technical education.

"On the face of it, irregularities appear to have taken place. It does not involve only the transport department. The technical education department also appears to be involved. Retired judge Narayana has already been appointed to conduc...