Ballari violence: Karnataka Home Minister rejects opposition demand for CBI probe
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Thursday rejected the opposition's demand to hand over the investigation into the recent clashes in Ballari, which left one dead, to the CBI.
He reaffirmed his confidence in the state police's ability to conduct a probe professionally.
"Our police department has the capability to investigate. They are capable of handling any situation. If the situation comes that they are unable to do it, then we can say CBI or other agency. We have already decided in the cabinet not to give such cases to the CBI. Selectively, we will decide on giving cases to CBI if there is a court order or if the situation demands," Parameshwara said.
Speaking to reporters here, he said, "... there is no need for giving it to the CBI for a probe... We will not hand over the case to the CBI."
Tension prevailed in parts of Ballari on January 1 night after supporters of Ballari Congress MLA Nara Bharath Reddy and Gangavati BJP MLA G Janardhan Reddy allegedly clashed over a banner installation issue.
The situation turned violent with alleged stone-pelting and firing, leaving one person dead.
Addressing criticism from JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy, who called him a 'rubber stamp', Pameshwara dismissed it and said he doesn't take his comments seriously.
"I'm a responsible Home Minister and will ensure that Law and Order is maintained in Karnataka. If something happens, we will take necessary actions accordingly within the framework of law. If he calls me a rubber stamp -- yes thank you so much. I don't want to comment on that. He is a responsible person. He has to mind his statement," he said.
Pointing to Kumaraswamy's background as former CM of the state and current union minister, Parameshwara said he does not need any lessons on administration.
"I have been in politics for 38 years and have worked in various portfolios. I have worked with him (Kumaraswamy) too (as his Deputy CM). He knows both my capability and personality. I don't take his statement seriously," he added.
ALSO READ: BDA bulldozer action in Saraipalya triggers anger; residents allege no notice
On the Hubballi woman arrest row, the minister said, Hubballi police commissioner Shashikumar has already issued a clarification.
"I think that's enough."
"Opposition may say anything, but the commissioner has clarified that the police did not disrobe the woman and while arresting her she herself has disrobed. When the commissioner has issued a clarification, what else do they want? Engaging in politics over everything is not right..." he said.
The BJP accused the police of "disrobing" a woman party worker, after a video of the woman in a police vehicle went viral on Wednesday, leading to a controversy.
The police, however, have refuted the charges, saying the woman had taken off her clothes while being detained on January 5 on charges of abusing, threatening and assaulting a Congress corporator.
Responding to claims that BJP workers are being unfairly targeted, Parameshwara rejected them, saying no one is being targeted based on their political party affiliation. "Police cannot and won't do it. We will not give such an opportunity. Police will not work with political malice."
The Minister also said that any Bangladeshi staying in the state illegally will be deported.
Responding to claims citing reports that there are some illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in Kaggalipura area, he said, "If there are any Bangladeshi nationals living in an unauthorised way in the state, we will nab and deport them after informing their embassy. We have done this in several cases."
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."
