Date:15/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/15/stories/2008111554800500.htm

Karnataka

CBI probe sought into activist’s murder

Special Correspondent

Distillery owner’s arrest sought
Handicam and camera of farmer reportedly missing

CHICKBALLPUR: Various progressive and environment organisations on Friday staged a demonstration in Gauribidanur in Chickballapur district and urged the State Government to order a CBI probe into the murder of progressive farmer and green activist Challa Krishnamurthy (57), who had fought against the alleged pollution caused by the Gauribidanur-based Gauri Distillery.

Activists of Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS), Praja Vimocahana Cahaluvali, Dalit Sangarsha Samithi, Pinkani Parisara Pragathi Parishat and several lawyers, took part in the demonstration.

Arrest demanded

Leaders of these organisations alleged that the management of the Gauri Distillery was behind Krishnamurthy’s murder and they demanded the immediate arrest of its proprietor and manager. Krishnamurthy, who had convened a press meet at his farm on Monday to highlight the pollution caused by the distillery that was allegedly letting molasses spent wash into fields, was done to death an hour before he was to address the media.

Missing

The assailants had made away with a handicam and a digital camera from Krishnamurthy’s car, which reportedly contained photographs and video footage of the distillery letting spent wash into agricultural fields.

No action

Although five days have passed since the murder , the police have not arrested the accused.

As the distillery management is alleged to have political contacts, the local police cannot ensure fair investigations. This is why the Government should order a CBI probe, the leaders said.

Closure appeal

KRRS leader C.S. Mohan and environment activist D.A. Chowdappa, who addressed the rally, explained how the environment had been polluted and groundwater contaminated by the distillery, and urged the State Government to order the closure of the “polluting unit”.

Senior lawyers M.S. Anand and M. Lakshminarayana, and Praja Vimochana Chaluvali leader Munianjinappa addressed the rally.

Protest

Activists from Bangalore also took part in the demonstration that was held in front of the Gauribidanur Tahsildar’s office.