Is Karnataka Government mulling to hand over Ashraf and Rahman murder probes to NIA?
Mangaluru: The Karnataka government is likely to hand over the investigations into the murders of Ashraf in Kudpadi and Abdul Rahman in Kolatta Majal to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), according to sources familiar with the development.
The demand to involve the NIA in such cases has been gaining momentum ever since the central government transferred the investigation of rowdy-sheeter Suhas Shetty’s murder to the central agency. The murder, which took place shortly after Ashraf’s killing, was taken up by the NIA following an order from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. Dakshina Kannada MP Brijesh Chowta had earlier written to the Modi government, requesting that the Suhas Shetty case be investigated by the NIA. The Centre responded positively, and the case was handed over.
This development led to growing public curiosity about why the Ashraf and Abdul Rahman murder cases were not being treated similarly.
Speaker U.T. Khader, after returning from Hajj, held a detailed meeting with Mangaluru Police Commissioner, Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner, and the District Superintendent of Police to review the law and order situation. The discussions reportedly focused on measures needed to control the spate of murders and communal violence in the region. Further discussions were also held with the District In-charge Minister and the Home Minister.
It is now learnt that the state government is considering transferring the Ashraf and Abdul Rahman murder cases to the NIA as well. Since both incidents are believed to be driven by communal tensions and revenge motives, authorities are of the view that a detailed and unbiased investigation is essential to identify the forces behind them. Sources say the government believes that an NIA probe would be more suitable for such sensitive cases.
An official decision and announcement in this regard is expected soon.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
