Clean chit to minister over alleged murder

BJP walks out of Karnataka Assembly

Opposition BJP today staged a walk out from the Assembly, as government ruled out a CBI inquiry into the alleged murder of a youth in Koppal district who spoke against corruption, and gave a clean chit to district in charge Minister, accused of "shielding those involved in the case".

On the issue raised by BJP, Home Minister K J George said, "After taking note of slow progress in the case, Chief Minister has handed it over to CID. Now they are investigating. Our police can handle such cases." The government has handed over about six cases to CBI, he said but "almost all the cases handed over to CBI have been delayed. Please believe our police and we will do justice".

Giving clean chit to district incharge minister Shivaraj Tangadagi, he said till today he has not been named for his involvement in the case either in the complaint or by the investigating agencies.

"Even the investigating officer and local SP have informed they are under no pressure," he added.

Yellalinga (17), a first year Pre University student was allegedly murdered on January 11 for exposing irregularities and misuse of funds meant for laying road and drainage works in Kanakapur village under the Hulihyder Gram Panchayat.

His body was found near a railway track. Recently, CID had arrested a former Zilla Panchayat member Hanumesh Nayak in connection with the case. BJP alleged Hanumesh Nayak to be a "right hand man" of Tangadagi. Opposition leader Jagadish Shettar questioned the delay in arresting Nayak and his associates despite having death note and complaint from the victim's family members naming them.

"Nayak enjoys Tangadagi's patronage, as he is his right hand man. He has fifteen to twenty criminal cases against him," Shettar alleged. This lead to a heated argument between opposition and ruling party members. Tangadagi said,"I have not done anything wrong, nor have supported anyone who have committed a crime. Investigation is going on, truth will come out," he added. Unhappy with the government's reply, BJP members trooped out of the House.