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.
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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."
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Rajnath Singh chairs IGoM meet, urges constant vigil over West Asia crisis
New Delhi (PTI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday emphasised the need for round-the-clock monitoring of the West Asia conflict and called for a calibrated response to deal with any eventuality to ensure that national interests remain protected.
Singh made the comments while chairing a high-level meeting of the Informal Group of Ministers (IGoM) set-up to monitor the situation in West Asia.
The meeting was attended by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Power Minister Manohar Lal, Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister J P Nadda, Consumer Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi and Minister of Railways, Information and Broadcasting, Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw.
In view of the "uncertain situation", the defence minister underlined the importance of round-the-clock monitoring of the situation and the need to respond in a calibrated manner to deal with any eventuality, an official readout said.
He stressed on the need to leave no stone unturned to ensure that the people of the country face the minimum effect of the conflict, it said.
It was the second meeting of the IGoM after it was set up last month.
The IGoM was apprised of the measures being taken by the government in the wake of the ongoing West Asia conflict, Singh said on social media.
"We also deliberated upon the next steps to be taken by the government to mitigate any adverse impact arising due to the ongoing conflict," he said.
The defence ministry said in the readout said, "In the meeting, the seven empowered groups of secretaries briefed the IGoM on the steps being taken to tackle the situation."
"The IGoM was apprised about measures undertaken by the Ministry of Finance to address concerns arising due to global trade disruptions and provide relief and support to the industry, especially manufacturing, and bolster investor confidence," it said.
It listed measures including notification issued on Wednesday on full customs duty exemption on 40 critical petrochemical products till June 30.
The ministry also mentioned announcement of a special one-time relief measure for eligible units in SEZs to sell manufactured goods in Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) at concessional customs duty rates to be effective from April 1 to March 31.
It also noted another notification issued by the Department of Revenue clarifying that the provisions of GAAR (General Anti Avoidance Rules) will not be invoked in respect of investments made prior to April 1, 2017.
"These measures will reduce cost pressures on downstream sectors including textiles, packaging and pharmaceuticals, facilitate supply stability in the country and provide requisite clarity for investors contemplating investments in India," the readout said.
Defence Minister Singh appreciated the government's decision to impose a 25 per cent cap on the monthly increase in aviation turbine fuel prices for domestic operations, with effect from April 1.
This step will help protect the people from sudden increase in fares, he said.
The government has accorded highest priority to domestic LPG supply, with refinery production enhanced to fully meet consumption requirements, according to the readout.
"The IGoM was informed that there have been no reports of dry-out at LPG distributorships, and delivery of domestic LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) cylinders continues as per the normal schedule. The temporary supply concerns arose due to instances of hoarding and black marketing, which triggered panic buying in certain areas," it said.
The ministers were informed that strict enforcement action is being undertaken, with raids being carried out across multiple states and Union territories to curb hoarding and black marketing of LPG, the ministry said in the readout.
Action has also been taken against some LPG distributors who engaged in malpractices, it said.
"To support migrant labour and low-consumption households, the government is ensuring adequate availability of 5 kg free trade LPG cylinders, and since March 23, over 4.3 lakh such cylinders have been sold. Special focus is being given to states where demand is higher," it said.
The IGoM was apprised that industrial requirements dependent on commercial LPG are being met, with over 80 per cent of pre-crisis supply levels being maintained to ensure continuity of operations.
"Special meetings have been held with ministries and stakeholders of different industries to understand their demand and meet their needs. Oil PSUs are ensuring continued supply of Auto LPG across the country," the readout noted.
"However, some supply constraints are being faced by private operators due to their procurement challenges, which is why lines are being observed at PSU auto LPG pumps. Wherever the autos are dual feed and can use petrol, they are being encouraged to use petrol," it said.
