Prima facie no role of Priyank Kharge in contractor's suicide case: Minister Parameshwara
Bengaluru (PTI): With the BJP demanding the resignation of Minister Priyank Kharge in connection with the suicide of a contractor in Bidar, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Wednesday citing police department said the former prima facie has no role in the case.
He also said a CID's probe report will bring out the truth.
The contractor had left behind a seven-page note in which he made allegations against a person who is said to be Kharge's aide.
The BJP has demanded that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah should ask Kharge to resign immediately, and has set a January 4 deadline to hand over the case to the CBI, failing which the party has threatened to lay siege to the minister's residence after organising a huge rally in Kalaburagi.
"Priyank Kharge has himself clarified that he has no role in it (suicide case). We have ordered a CID probe. Let's see what comes from the investigation. Our department is also saying that prima facie it has come that Kharge has no role. Let the investigation report come. We will get to know," Parameshwara told reporters in response to a question.
Sachin Monappa Panchal, a 26-year-old contractor, ended his life by falling under a train on December 26, leaving behind a suicide note alleging that Raju Kapanur, a close associate of Kharge, had issued death threats demanding Rs 1 crore for awarding a contract.
The note also mentioned the names of seven others who were accused of cheating by not awarding him a contract, despite taking a Rs 15 lakh bribe.
The contractor alleged that they threatened to kill him if he failed to pay the Rs 1 crore.
An FIR was registered against Kapanur and five other Congress leaders in Kalaburagi on Saturday on the charge of allegedly giving supari (contract) to murder a few BJP leaders, including MLA Basavaraj Mattimadu, based on the suicide note.
Responding to a question on BJP MLC CT Ravi writing to Director General of Police alleging that he was arrested and ill-treated by the police in Belagavi last month, acting on the instructions of Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar, the home minister said, the DGP will respond to it as it is addressed to him.
"Police usually follow the instructions of the chief minister and the home minister. It will not be possible for them to follow others instructions. He (Ravi) has made allegations, DGP will respond to it," he said.
Ravi was arrested based on Minister Hebbalkar accusing him of using a derogatory word against her in the Legislative Council, during the Legislature session in Belagavi last month.
To questions regarding CID, which is probing the case, seeking Legislative Council Chairman's permission for spot mahajar (spot investigation process) inside Council, and how it will be done and will there be reconstruction of the scene there, Parameshwara said, it is left to CID as to how they will do it.
"The case has been handed over to the CID to investigate and give a report. What methodology they follow, it is left for them...Let's see what the Council Chairman decides on permitting mahajar...," he added.
To a question on his New Year message to the opposition, which he had earlier accused of targeting the government unnecessarily, Parameshwara said, "We (Congress govt) have said that we want to make the state a peaceful garden for all communities. We expect the opposition to cooperate towards achieving this and for the development of the state. I appeal to them. We are not saying don't criticise us, but if there is positive criticism, it will be good."
If the opposition gives suggestions to the government in the interest of the people, it will be accepted, he said.
On the possibility of him getting a bigger responsibility in the New Year if there are political changes in the state, amid speculations about leadership change, Parameshwara said, "I don't know about it...I have always successfully fulfilled all the responsibilities given to me by the party so far.
"I joined the party in 1987, after returning from abroad. From then to till now, I have fulfilled all the responsibilities given to me by the party. I have not done anything against it."
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UP: Govt hospital staff booked for sexually assaulting woman in pretext of ultrasound test
Gorakhpur (PTI): A hospital employee was booked for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in the pretext of an ultrasound test here in the district women's hospital, police said on Saturday.
According to the complaint, the woman, a resident of the Gulriha area, visited the district women's hospital on Thursday morning for an ultrasound test.
She was directed to a room, where Abhimanyu Gupta was conducting ultrasounds. When her turn came, the accused allegedly stared at her and told her to remove all her clothes, claiming it was necessary for the test and that a massage would also be required, she said.
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The woman alleged that once she complied, the accused began making obscene advances and tried to force himself on her. When she screamed, he allegedly gagged her, abused her and threatened to kill her before pushing her out of the room.
She said her complaints within the hospital went unheard, forcing her to approach the police.
Taking cognisance of the complaint, the hospital administration constituted a three-member inquiry committee, officials said.
Senior consultant (paediatrics) Dr Jay Kumar said, "The woman has levelled serious allegations against a staff member. Senior officials have been informed, and a departmental inquiry is underway. Strict action will be taken if the charges are proved."
Kotwali Station House Officer Chatrapal Singh said a case has been registered, and efforts are on to nab the accused.
