Terming the handing over of the inquiry into the murder of a student in Koppal district to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) as a “cover-up attempt”, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly Jagadish Shettar said the party would go ahead with the three-day campaign against Minor Irrigation Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi as scheduled, from June 26.
Addressing presspersons here on Monday, Mr. Shettar said the Bharatiya Janata Party had raised the issue of the “highhandedness” of Mr. Tangadagi and his supporters in Koppal district at several platforms. The Minister’s supporters were allegedly involved in the murder of college student, Yallalinga, in his constituency, for raising questions on the implementation of the MNREGA scheme.
“Now that the legislature session is nearing, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has handed over the case to the CID to save himself from the BJP attack at the session,” Mr. Shettar said. Despite protests and a complaint by Yallalinga’s mother, the police in Koppal district allowed the accused to roam free owing to the instructions from the district-in-charge Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi, Mr. Shettar alleged. He added that the Minister was “protecting goonda elements”.
KPCC chief asks for reports
Bengaluru Special Correspondent writes:
Meanwhile, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) has sought two reports on the case. KPCC president G. Parameshwara clarified that the Congress high command had not sought any report in connection with the incident. “As president of the State unit, I sought a report from Mr. Tangadagi and the Koppal District Congress Committee. The report will help me respond to the AICC, if asked,” he said.
