The day after the brutal murder of rationalist and thinker, MM Kalburgi at Dharwad in north Karnataka, the State Cabinet has decided to hand over the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). However, the Cabinet which met has decided that the Karnataka State Police, CID will investigate the initial probe till the CBI takes over officially.
Briefing the media, Karnataka law Minister, TB Jayachandra said that the Cabinet has decided to hand over the probe of the brutal murder of noted progressive writer to CBI.
The body of Kalburgi was laid to rest with full State honours at Dharwad.
It was on Sunday morning that two unidentified assailants shot the 77-year-old professor who was known for his rational outlook. “We have decided along with handing over the case to CID, also to refer it to the CBI,” said the law Minister.
Kalburgi had invited the wrath of right wing activists for his criticism on idol worship by the Hindus. Meanwhile, the State BJP has welcomed the State Government’s decision to hand over the probe by the Central agencies and ruled out the hand of any Hindu organisations in this ruthless killing.
“CID will immediately start the investigation, we will also write to CBI. CBI may take over anytime,” the Minister added.
In view of this ghastly incident which has sent shock waves across the State, the State Government has decided to provide police security to controversial writers in Karnataka, Jnanapeetha Awardee and playwright Girish Karnad and well known author, Sl Bhyrappa and KS Bhagwan for his derogatory remarks against the Bhagwad Gita..
Meanwhile, in another development, in the coastal town of Mangaluru, a case has been registered against a Bajrang Dal activist for allegedly posting remarks on Twitter threatening writer KS Bhagwan for his disparaging remarks.
Kalburgi was an associate of rationalist Govind Pansare of Kolhapur in Maharashtra who also fell vicitim in similar circumstances in February and had drawn the ire of right wing Hindu outfits.