Asnotikar's murder: Krishna rejects BJP demand for CBI probe

By Our Special Correspondent

BANGALORE, MARCH 20. The Chief Minister, Mr. S. M. Krishna, rejected in the Assembly today a BJP demand for a CBI inquiry into the recent murder of Vasant Asnotikar, Congress(I) MLA from Karwar, as the CoD inquiry had reached a crucial stage and the Government was confident of bringing to book the guilty soon.

Not happy with the reply, the BJP members went on a dharna in the well of the House for nearly 45 minutes forcing the Speaker, Mr. M. V. Venkatappa, to adjourn the House for the day at 7 p.m. At one stage, the House had to be adjourned for about 25 minutes following some noisy scenes when Mr. Viveshwara Hegde (BJP) was speaking and some of the expressions used by him which had led to noisy scenes were ordered to be expunged.

The BJP was sore with the reply of the Chief Minister on its other demand for placing on the table of the House the reports of the judicial inquiry into Bhatkal incidents and on the murder of BJP MLA, Chittaranjan, that he would find out the reason why the previous government had gone back on its assurance to place the report and make a statement.

In his reply, Mr. Krishna explained the serious efforts being made by the CoD on the basis of information and clue it had about those involved in the crime and asserted that there was no political interference in the matter. He, however, refused to disclose details of the clues in the interest of effective completion of investigations.

The special cell headed by the DGP of CoD had visited Mumbai and Goa to trace the culprits and had received constructive cooperation from the police in both the places. In view of this the demand for CBI investigation was not appropriate.

It was also pointed out by Mr. Krishna that the CBI inquiry into the murder of Chittaranjan had become four years old and but was still incomplete. The CBI had its own problems and hence he was of the view that a CoD inquiry would be appropriate. There was no question of the Government succumbing to any force or pressure, he said.

Referring to the plea of Mr. B. N. Bachche Gowda (JD-U) for protection to legislators, the Chief Minister said if there was any threat perception to any legislator, he could pass on the information either to him, the Home Minister or the DGP who would take action to provide necessary security cover.

In this context, Mr. Krishna said the late Asnotikar had been provided a gunman who, however, was absent when the incident took place. This aspect of the matter was also being looked into by the CoD.

On the suggestion to strengthen the police force, Mr. Krishna referred to the threat by the People's War Group in the State borders with Andhra Pradesh and from mafia dons from Mumbai in Mangalore and Karwar and said he and the Home Minister had urged the Union Home Minister to share a part of the expenditure involved in modernisation efforts. The State had been advised to send a proposal in this regard.

The Opposition Leader, Mr. Jagadish Shettar, who was not happy with the reply pressed his demand for a CBI inquiry and the rejection of this demand as well as the one for placing the reports of the judicial inquiry into Bhatkal incidents and murder of Chittaranjan was greeted by the BJP with a dharna in the well of the House.

Referring to a point made by Mr. P.G.R. Sindhia (JD-U) Mr. Krishna made it clear that he would take stringent action against police officials if information was provided that they were hand in glove with criminals and underworld mafia. Similarly, he said, those in public life should be wary of such elements around them.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Regional
Previous : Chautala for review of power sector reforms
Next     : 'BSP will oppose Constitution review'