RTI activist Vinayaka Baliga murder case: Review petition seeking narco-analysis of Naresh Shenoy
Mangaluru, October 30: As the Supreme Court has denied permission for conducting narco-analysis on Naresh Shenoy, the main accused in RTI activist Vinayaka Baliga murder case, Advocate Ravindra Kamath who is arguing in favour of Baliga family in the Supreme Court, said that he would file a review petition before the court to reconsider the narco-analysis application to know the truth in the case.
“The Supreme Court has taken the application filed by the Baliga family seeking narco-analysis of Naresh Shenoy, the main accused in the case as per the FIR in the Baliga case, for hearing. In 2010, the Supreme Court Full Bench had given a verdict Selvi versus Karnataka State case that conducting narco-analysis test much against to the wish of the accused would be the violation of human rights. In view of that verdict, the Supreme Court Bench has denied permission to conduct narco-analysis test on Naresh Shenoy. But in such cases, how could the truth be uncovered if every accused declined to undergo narco-analysis test? So, he would file a review petition before the SC”, Kamath told Varthabharati.
Why do they fear for narco-analysis test?
“Why the people are hesitating to undergo narco-analysis test if they have not done anything wrong in Vinayaka Baliga murder case? After one stage of investigation, the case is almost in the state of suspension. So, the investigation should be completed. In view of this, they have decided to file a review petition. The Supreme Court has not given permission for narco-analysis test keeping the Selvi versus Karnataka case. But in the Sheena Bora case, the SC had given permission for narco-analysis test. The complete investigation into the Vinayaka Baliga murder case was not done. They have filed an application seeking reinvestigation into the case. But the SC asked why? The SC should be apprised of the need to conduct reinvestigation, Narendra Nayak, who is fighting legally in this case said.
Vinayaka Baliga murder case
Social activist and RTI activist Vinayaka Panduranga Baliga was hacked to death near his house on March 21, 2016. Vinayaka Baliga raised the issue of misappropriation of funds in the Sri Venkataramana Temple, coming under the Kashi Mutt in the city. He had moved the court regarding the issue. After a few days later, he was murdered. Then Mangaluru City Police Commissioner-led police investigating team conducted the investigation into the murder case and identified Namo Brigade leader Naresh Shenoy as the main accused in the case and filed an FIR. But at that time, Naresh who was the active volunteer of Kashi Mutt and Sri Venkataramana Temple was absconding. Later, the police arrested him. But he was granted conditional bail.
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Chandrashekhar Swamiji apologises for remark on denying voting rights to Muslims
"If my statement has upset our Muslim brothers, I deeply regret it."
Bengaluru: Kumara Chandrashekharanath Swamiji, head of the Vishva Okkaliga Mahasansthana Mutt, has expressed regret over his controversial statement suggesting that "Muslims should be denied voting rights."
In a press release, Swamiji clarified, "Muslims are also citizens of this country. Like everyone else, they too have voting rights. If my statement yesterday has caused discomfort to our Muslim brothers, I sincerely apologise for it."
He further added, "Okkaligas are inherently tolerant of all religions. We have always treated people of every faith equally. Our Mutt maintains cordial relations with Muslims, and they frequently visit us. Similarly, we attend their weddings and other joyous occasions. Hence, there is no intolerance towards this community." Swamiji appealed to the public to disregard the controversy surrounding his remark.
The controversial statement was made during a farmers' rally, ‘Raita Gharjana,’ organised by the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, Karnataka Pradesh, at Freedom Park, Bengaluru, on Tuesday. Addressing the gathering, Swamiji had said, "A law should be enacted to deny voting rights to the Muslim community, and the Wakf Board should be abolished."
The remark drew widespread criticism from political leaders and the public alike. Following the backlash, Swamiji issued his apology, stating, "Muslims are also citizens of this country. Like everyone else, they too have voting rights. If my statement yesterday has caused discomfort to our Muslim brothers, I sincerely apologise for it."
