Karnataka: MLAs including a minister demand thorough probe into CDS Gen Bipin Rawat's death
Belagavi, Dec 13: Cutting across party lines, members of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly on Monday demanded a thorough probe into the death of Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat along with his wife Madhulika Rawat and 11 others in a helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu's Coonoor on December 8.
The winter session of the Karnataka legislature started here on Monday by paying tributes to noted personalities of the country and the State who passed away recently including General Rawat and Kannada film actor Puneeth Rajkumar.
Mourning the demise of General Rawat, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said the entire nation was in a state of shock and sorrow following the tragic death of the CDS and 12 others in the helicopter crash.
Stating that the death of the CDS was a great loss to the nation, Bommai said, "It is a common notion that the military equipment and machines are safe and secured but this incident has left everyone shocked."
Karnataka Panchayat and Rural Development Minister K S Eshwarappa asked the Centre to order a probe by a sitting Supreme Court judge to allay doubts.
"There is sorrow and anger among the people following the tragedy. I am not saying that there is any conspiracy but this incident requires a thorough investigation. It will upset everyone if the investigation does not happen. A sitting Supreme Court judge should probe the case," Eshwarappa said.
He said if "rogue elements" are involved in this incident, then they should be punished.
Hailing General Rawat as a valiant soldier, Eshwarappa said enemy nations "used to shiver seeing his determination".
Leader of opposition and Congress leader Siddaramaiah too demanded a probe into the incident.
"The matter needs to be investigated. There are doubts regarding the death of CDS General Rawat. The reason behind the helicopter crash should be probed," Siddaramaiah said.
Stating that the entire country is anguished by the demise of General Rawat and others, JD(S) MLA Bandeppa Kashempur said people always believe that defence helicopters are foolproof and safe to travel but yet the copter crash happened.
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KSCA expresses disappointment over missing IPL playoffs, says it was ready to host matches in B’luru
Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has issued a clarification stating that it was fully prepared to host the IPL playoffs and final matches in Bengaluru but the fixtures were allotted to other venues.
In a media note, KSCA said it was disappointed with the decision. The association stated that its president, former India cricketer Venkatesh Prasad, had been in touch with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and had formally conveyed the association’s readiness and interest in hosting the matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
KSCA said the IPL matches held in Bengaluru this season were appreciated for smooth conduct, crowd management and overall experience for spectators. It said this reflected its ability to handle high-profile matches.
The association also stated that it had sent a detailed communication to the BCCI explaining its preparedness and the operational arrangements followed during the current IPL season. According to KSCA, these systems have been in place since the start of the Indian Premier League in 2008 and were followed consistently, including during previous playoff matches hosted in Bengaluru.
The clarification added that the communication sent to the BCCI was only meant to provide factual and operational details and to bring clarity on logistical and stakeholder-related requirements involved in hosting such matches.
KSCA said that although it had shown willingness and preparedness, the BCCI has decided to allocate the playoff matches to other venues. It added that the reasons for this decision have not been formally shared with the association, but it respects the authority of the board in taking such decisions.
The association further said it remains ready to host matches of national and international importance and will continue to cooperate with the BCCI, franchises, government authorities and other stakeholders for conducting cricket events.
The statement was issued by KSCA official spokesperson Vinay Mruthyunjaya, who also thanked the media and cricket fans for their continued support.
