Bommai welcomes SIT probe into Dharmasthala case, demands time-bound, unbiased investigation
Bengaluru: Former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has welcomed the state government's decision to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged serial murders in Dharmasthala. However, he stressed that the investigation must be conducted within a stipulated timeframe and adhere strictly to legal norms.
Speaking to the media on Monday, Bommai cautioned that the SIT should not function with a predetermined target in mind. "The people of Dharmasthala and the local police are well aware of the region. The complainants have alleged that they were under pressure. The source of that pressure must be investigated," he said.
Bommai further stressed that police should act responsibly and take appropriate legal action in connection with the incidents at Dharmasthala. "Dharmasthala is a historic and revered temple. Undermining public faith in such an institution must be strictly avoided," he said.
On a separate issue, Bommai criticised the state government for issuing tax notices to small and micro traders. He accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of deflecting responsibility by blaming the Centre. "The notices have shocked small traders, but instead of addressing the issue, the Chief Minister is trying to wash his hands of it," Bommai alleged.
Commenting on internal developments within the ruling Congress party, Bommai predicted significant political shifts in the coming days. "No matter what anyone says, these changes are inevitable," he claimed. Responding to speculation about efforts to unite former ministers Sriramulu and Janardhan Reddy, Bommai dismissed it, stating that the trio has always shared a strong understanding.
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MI beat PBKS by 6 wickets
Dharamsala (PTI): Already out of play-offs race, Mumbai Indians beat Punjab Kings by six wickets in their IPL match here on Thursday.
Tilak Varma remained not out on 75 off 33 balls as MI chased down the target of 201 with one ball to spare. Will Jacks gave Varma company with 25 not out off 10 balls as MI reached 205 for 4 in 19.5 overs.
For Punjab, Azmatullah Omarzai was the most successful bowler with figures of 2/36.
Earlier, Shardul Thakur returned with excellent figures of 4 for 39 for MI, who are already out of the IPL play-offs race, but Punjab Kings still scored 200 for 8.
Deepak Chahar (2/36), Corbin Bosch (1/42) and Raj Bawa (1/11) were the other MI wicket takers.
Brief Scores:
Punjab Kings: 200 for 8 in 20 overs (Prabhsimran Singh 57; Shardul Thakur 4/39).
Mumbai Indians: 205 for 4 in 19.5 overs (Tilak Varma 75 not out; Azmatullah Omarzai 2/36).
