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.

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Ranchi (PTI): Four minors were detained for allegedly raping a 15-year-old girl at a birthday party in Jharkhand’s Ranchi, police said on Saturday.

The incident took place on March 31 within the Namkum police station limits. An FIR in this regard was lodged on April 16 based on the girl’s statement, they said.

“All five, including the victim, were friends, and the girl had gone to attend the birthday party of one of those detained. At the party, the accused consumed alcohol and allegedly raped her,” said Ramnarayan Singh, the officer in-charge of Namkum police station.

“The four, aged between 15 and 17 years, have been detained and the medical examination of the girl is underway,” Singh said.

Further investigation is underway.