IAS officer's death, Oppn insists on CBI probe, govt says no

Sticking to their guns, the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly continued their dharna for the second day today demanding a CBI probe into the mysterious death of an upright IAS officer, but the government refused to yield, maintaining a CID probe would do.

As the House met for the day, members of both BJP and JDS, continuing their night-long dharna, assembled in the well of the House shouting slogans against the government demanding a CBI inquiry, alleging that attempts were being made to "hush up" the case.

35-year old D K Ravi, Additional Commissioner of Commercial Taxes (Enforcement), was found hanging from a ceiling fan in his room at his flat here on Monday, with police suspecting it to be a case of suicide prima facie.

Speaking to reporters, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, "This is not a case to be handed over to CBI."

Siddaramaiah, who is facing Opposition and public pressure for ordering a CBI probe into the case that has triggered outrage across the state, said the CID would conduct an impartial and speedy probe to bring out the truth.

But not happy with the government stand, Opposition BJP leader Jagadish Shettar alleged in the Assembly that "an attempt is being made to hush up this issue. Only CBI can do an honest investigation in this case."

He said, "What we are conveying here is the anger and anguish that people are expressing on the streets of the state today but the government, instead of taking this seriously,is trying to mislead, they have taken this as a prestige issue."

"Until government orders CBI probe into the issue we will not withdraw our protest," he added.

Shettar expressed apprehensions that the government was trying to influence the probe as the Chief Minister had visited the mortuary to pay his last respects instead of going to his home.

Outside the House, an annoyed Chief Minister dismissed the charge as "irresponsible."

Deputy leader of the opposition R Ashoka (BJP) alleged that the government was floating different stories relating to the officer. "I have spoken to his father-in-law who has told me that everything was well and good within the family and there was no misunderstanding between his daughter and son-in-law or with his family."

As opposition members shouted slogans demanding a CBI inquiry, Home Minister K J George defended the government. "As soon as you demand, government cannot order a CBI inquiry; does this mean you have no confidence in our officials."

JDS floor leader H D Kumaraswamy said, "An honest officer has died, lot of speculation is going on about his death. When this is the case why is government so adamantIJ"

He said, "We have not levelled any charges against the government in this case, what we are demanding here is CBI inquiry, which is the demand of the people of this state."

Speaker Kagodu Thimmappa repeatedly requested opposition members to resume seats and allow smooth functioning of the House. "Important issues including Budget have to be discussed," he said.

When his repeated pleas went in vain as opposition continued with their protest seeking CBI inquiry, the Speaker adjourned the house till 3 PM.