NCP hails K.J. George's decision to step down

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Tuesday hailed Karnataka minister K.J. George's resignation after a Madikeri court ordered registration of case against him in connection with the suicide of Deputy Superintendent of Police M.K. Ganapati.

Asserting that it was George's moral duty to quit, NCP leader Majid Memon said it was a good precedence that others must follow.

"It is a good precedent. Without being sacked and before there is noise, he thought that it is his moral duty to quit so that investigative agencies are under no pressure while collecting evidence. It is a good precedent and others must follow it," he told ANI.

George yesterday said he decided to step down to ensure that the probe in the matter was 'impartial'.

"I have sent my resignation to the Chief Minister. I have complete faith in the judiciary. I request you and the opposition that do not arrive at a conclusion till the truth comes out," George told mediapersons.

"So far no inquiry was ordered against me. Now, based on a complaint, the court has ordered an inquiry. I have voluntarily resigned so that the probe is impartial," he added.

Ganapathy was found hanging from a ceiling fan in a lodge in Madikeri, Kodagu district, on July 9.

In an interview to a local channel before committing suicide, Ganapahthi had alleged he was being harassed by Additional Director General Police (ADGP) (Intelligence) A M Prasad, K J George and Lokayukta (Ombudsman) Deputy Inspector General of Police Pronab Mohanty.