Let Dakshina Kannada leaders call SIT probe in Dharmasthala politically motivated: Dinesh Gundu Rao
Hubballi: Responding to BJP’s criticism that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the Dharmasthala complaint is politically motivated, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Tuesday challenged leaders from Dakshina Kannada district to make such claims themselves.
Speaking to reporters in Hubballi, Rao said that the BJP’s accusation that the SIT probe is politically driven is baseless. "The investigation was initiated due to pressure from the public and various organizations. Based on this, the government formed the SIT and the investigation is proceeding accordingly," he stated.
He acknowledged that there has been widespread confusion regarding the case, with allegations suggesting that several bodies were allegedly buried or disposed of secretly.
“It remains to be seen how much of it is true. Naturally, this has sparked a lot of debate across the state,” he added, stressing that there was no political agenda behind the investigation.
On the BJP’s plan to launch a helpline concerning GST notices issued to small traders by the Commercial Tax Department, Rao remarked that the party, including Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka, lacks proper understanding of GST mechanisms. "The state government has no authority to intervene in GST matters," he clarified.
Referring to the Enforcement Directorate (ED)’s probe into the MUDA case involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s wife, Rao said the Supreme Court had strongly criticized the ED’s actions. “The Court has seriously questioned why the ED is interfering in government-related matters. This is a grave issue,” he said.
He also took aim at Union Minister Pralhad Joshi for frequently commenting on ED investigations. “Now that the Supreme Court has delivered its verdict, let him respond. What moral ground does Pralhad Joshi have, who constantly invoked the ED, IT, and CBI?” Rao questioned, calling the verdict a major embarrassment for the Centre.
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.
JK: Fire breaks out in commercial building near Lal Chowk, 19 gas cylinders recovered
Srinagar (PTI): A fire broke out in a five-storey commercial building near the Lal Chowk city centre here on Saturday, but was doused before it could spread in the congested business hub, officials said.
They said firefighters recovered 19 gas cylinders during the operation and there were no casualties in the incident.
Assistant Director, Fire and Emergency Services, Aqib Mir, said, "The fire originated from the attic portion of the building, which houses the kitchen of a restaurant. The cause of the fire is being ascertained."
"The attic was severely damaged. There were no casualties," he said.
The firefighters managed to contain the damage by swiftly dousing the blaze using a hydraulic platform, Mir said.
During the firefighting operation, 19 gas cylinders were recovered from the spot, he said.
"We have informed the concerned police station," he added.
Mir appealed to people not to store combustible substances at home or commercial places.
