Don't destroy Congress in Karnataka to save K J George: Poojary to CM

Mangaluru, Jul 9: B Janardhana Poojary, who was the first senior Congress leader to demand CBI probe into the sensational suicide case of IAS officer DK Ravi over a year ago, on Saturday went all guns blazing against chief minister Siddaramaiah for hesitating to handover Mangaluru DySP M K Ganapathi suicide case to CBI and backing tainted minister K J George.

Speaking to media persons in Mangaluru, the veteran leader urged Mr Siddaramaiah to seek the resignation of Mr George, whose name was mentioned by the police officer before committing suicide in Madikeri. "Let the chief minister seek George's resignation or else sack him from the cabinet," he said.

The former Union minister in the Indira Gandhi government took on his own party government in the state and opined that the chief minister has failed to understand the pulse of the people. He also questioned the police as to why the interview DSP Ganapathi gave to media in Madikeri can't be considered as his suicide note.

"Nobody would speak lie while on death bed. Hence, the statement that Ganapathi made before the media should be considered as his 'dying declaration' and an inquiry should be ordered based on it," he suggested.

Pointing to apparent delay on part of police in filing a first information report in connection with Ganapathi's death, Poojary sought answer from Siddaramaiah for the lapse.

"Though the case has been handed over to CID, the question whether a fair probe is possible, will linger. CID is an investigation agency that works directly under the state government. Hence the government should hand over case to CBI. FIR should be registered against all persons Ganapathi mentioned in his interview. In the meantime, the CM should seek the resignation of George or else sack him," he said.

KPCC president G Parameshwara, who is also the home minister, should prepare a report on Ganapathi's case either directly or through a sub-committee, Poojary said. He went on criticizing the Siddaramaiah alleging him of not understanding the Congress culture. "Don't try to destroy Congress in making efforts to save one person (George). It is party, not individuals, above all," Poojary warned Siddaramaiah.