Sadananda Gowda calls for CBI probe into DK Ravi's death

Union Law and Justice Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda on Wednesday said the Karnataka Government must refer the death of Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer D.K. Ravi to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for further investigation.

"The state Government must refer the matter to the CBI, we will apprise Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh of what is happening in Karnataka. We will request him to take up this issue by CBI," Gowda told ANI here.

"People of Karnataka feel that neither the Chief Minister or the Home Minister, nor the officers can have a free and fair investigation in the matter. I think he being an IAS officer, it is fair on the part of Government to refer the matter to CBI for further investigation." he added.

Earlier today, Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Kumaraswamy accused Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramiah of trying to influence the post mortem reports of the 36-year-old IAS officer.

Siddaramiah had yesterday termed the city police capable of investigating the mysterious death of Ravi and added that it remained to be seen if the case will be referred to the investigating agencies.

Bengaluru Police Commissioner M.N. Reddi had also pointed out yesterday that forensic and medical evidence hinted that Ravi's death was prima facie a case of suicide. He added that a thorough investigation was on and warned against jumping to any conclusion.

DK Ravi, who took on the sand mafia in Karnataka's Kolar District, was an Additional Commissioner on deputation with the Commercial Tax department. He was found hanging from a ceiling fan in his house by his wife on Monday.