Order judicial probe into violence: Siddu

Shyam Sundar Vattam | NT

A day after the brutal murder of a Bajrang Dal activist in communally sensitive Shivmogga City, Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly Siddaramaiah termed the violence during the funeral procession of the youth as ‘government sponsored’ and demanded a judicial probe into the incident.

Talking to reporters on Tuesday, Siddaramaiah said that even when prohibitory orders were in force, Rural Development & Panchayat Raj Minister K.S. Eshwarappa and Shivamogga MP B.Y. Raghavendra took part in the funeral procession. The incidents of stone throwing, setting fire to vehicles and damage to private and public property took place in their presence. The state government was solely responsible for the incident and has behaved in an irresponsible manner. The incumbent government is not a ‘civilised’ government but a ‘goonda’ government, he remarked.

Holding Eshwarappa responsible for the large-scale damage to public property in Shivamogga, the former CM demanded a probe against him and also wanted the incident to be referred for a judicial probe. “ We don’t mind if the probe is referred to the NIA as the assailants must be punished. If the police have proof regarding the involvement of PFI, SDPI and other organisations in the Bajrang Dal activist’s murder, the government is free to take action including banning such organisations. The Congress Party will not interfere”.

Siddaramaiah also wondered how the police allowed political leaders to lead the funeral procession when prohibitory orders were in force. Replying to a question, he said the agitation demanding resignation of Eshwarappa for insulting the Tricolour would not be stopped. This stir will continue in the people’s court. It is learnt that BJP National President J.P. Nadda has slammed Eshwarappa for his ‘ statement. Eshwarappa must be dropped from the ministry and a criminal case booked against him, the former CM demanded. He also wanted a meeting of legal experts and leaders of opposition of both Houses to be convened by the government to discuss the reservation for backward classes in local bodies.

‘Book KSE for atttending funeral procession’
KPCC President D.K. Shivakumar alleged that the participation of Rural Development & Panchayat Raj Minister K.S.Eshwarappa in the funeral procession of murdered Bajrang Dal activist Harsha was responsible for the violence in Shivamogga City on Monday.

Speaking to the media at Vidhana Soudha here on Tuesday, Shivakumar urged Shivamogga police to file a case against Eshwarappa for violating prohibitory orders and taking part in the funeral procession. “Our leader Siddaramaiah keeps saying that there is no link between the brain and tongue of Eshwarappa and I think it is true,” he quipped.

The Congress leader said Shivamogga district has given three chief ministers to the state. Cutting across party lines, B.S. Yediyurappa had carried out a lot of development works in Shivamogga. ‘’Will investors come to the district if such violence takes place? The police department has powers to detain anyone in connection with the brutal murder of the Bajrang Dal activist and punish them.

We have no objection to it. But why is the local police not registering a case against Eshwarappa who was seen in the mob which indulged in violence? The police in khaki must discharge their duty impartially or quit the department and wear saffron attire,” he remarked.

Replying to BJP leaders’ statements alleging the involvement of outsiders in Monday’s violence, Shivakumar said if it was true, then why has the police failed to identify and arrest them? Cops were mute spectators to the arson and looting by the mob. Even their failure must be enquired and punished, he added.

Murder case may go to NIA: Araga
Home Minister Araga Jnanendra did not rule out handing over the probe into the murder of Bajrang Dal activist Harsha to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in case the purview of the probe goes beyond the limits of Shivamogga Police.

He told reporters here on Tuesday that local cops were investigating the incident from all angles including the alleged role of the Congress party. Three persons have been arrested in this connection so far. The police have been asked to arrest only those who are allegedly involved in the murder and not innocent people. As many as 12 persons have been picked up for questioning and information pertaining to those who supported the attack, vehicle providers and others, is being collected. The situation in Shivamogga city was by and large peaceful on Tuesday with no fresh incidents of violence since Monday evening, he said.

Jnanendra declined to react to the Congress demand for his resi