IAS death case: Siddaramaiah acting at behest of Congress High Command, says Kumaraswamy

Continuing his tirade against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, JD (S) leader HD Kumaraswamy on Monday said the Karnataka Government has handed over IAS officer D.K Ravi's death case to the CBI due to directions from the Congress High Command and not out of respect for the people of the state.

"I'm really surprised by the reply of the Karnataka Chief Minister on the floor of the house. He only handed over the case to the CBI after directions from Congress High Command and not out of respect for demand of people of Karnataka," said Kumaraswamy.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Janata Party (KJP) chief BS Yeddyurappa accused Siddaramaiah of behaving like a dictator.

"Chief Minister referred the investigation to CBI, due to pressure created by not only people of the state but family of the officer. He was behaving like a dictator, the people of the state have taught him a lesson. We also demand the resignation of state home minister," said Yeddyurappa.

Earlier in the day, Siddaramaiah announced a CBI inquiry into the IAS officer's death case in the legislative assembly.

He said that his government has decided to hand over the mysterious death issue to the CBI, bowing to the sentiments of people and parents of the IAS officer.

The Karnataka Government's decision came after Congress president Sonia Gandhi assured the IAS officer's family of a fair probe into his death.

The opposition parties have so far rejected reports of personal reasons behind the death and alleged a cover-up attempt by the government as the officer was known for taking on the sand and land mafia.

The IAS officer, posted as Joint Commissioner in Commercial Tax Department, was found hanging from a ceiling fan in his apartment by his wife on March 16. The police suspect it to be a case of suicide, though no note was found from around the officer's body.