Someone in Karnataka govt behind release of an accused in PSI job scam, alleges Congress
Bengaluru, May 2: The Congress on Monday claimed that a Karnataka Minister 'influenced' the Crime Investigation Department, probing the Police Sub-Inspector recruitment scam, and got an accused person in the case released.
The scam was unearthed in the recruitment process of Police Sub-Inspectors recently.
Addressing reporters, Congress state unit chief D K Shivakumar said, I don't have the exact details but someone, either the home minister or some minister -- directed the CID officers to release an accused and gave instructions that no further inquiry should be conducted against him." He further alleged that a minister's younger brother or relatives were also involved in the recruitment scam.
He claimed that the exam was cancelled only to safeguard shady elements. Appealing to Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai 'not to protect' the influential, the Congress veteran challenged him to demonstrate his commitment and determination to take action against those involved in the case irrespective of their 'powerful stature and political affiliation.' After Shivakumar hinted at the involvement of Karnataka IT-BT and Higher Education Minister Dr C N Ashwath Narayan, who is also the district in charge minister of Ramanagara, the latter hit back saying there was no question of him recommending or helping anyone.
Narayan also alleged that Shivakumar's charges lacked clarity and were based on whims and fancy only to tarnish his image.
In connection with the PSI recruitment scam, there is no question of me recommending or helping anyone. Those who are leveling allegations lack clarity as their charges are based on assumptions that me or my brothers and relatives could be involved, the minister told media.
Meanwhile, the PSI exam candidates staged demonstration at the Freedom Park demanding posting orders.
Holding placards, they raised slogans saying either give them posting orders or poison.
According to police sources, kingpin Divya Hagargi's close aid Kashinath too surrendered before the police today. He was a teacher at a school in Kalaburagi where the scam came to light.
Another accused in the scam, who had made the OMR sheet of a candidate public was also arrested. Several officials were accused of being involved in the irregularities in the recruitment exam held in October last year for filling up 545 PSI posts.
The Bommai government annulled the examination following alleged large-scale irregularities to fill the posts. So far more than 30 people have been arrested in connection with the case while 10 are absconding.
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Parliament passes Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025
New Delhi (PTI): Parliament early Friday passed the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, after it was approved by the Rajya Sabha.
The Lok Sabha had on Thursday approved the Bill after over a 12-hour debate.
In Rajya Sabha, the Bill got 128 votes in its favour and 95 against after all the amendments moved by the opposition were rejected.
In the lower house, the bill was supported by 288 MPs while 232 voted against it.
Participating in a debate in the Rajya Sabha, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Bill was brought with a number of amendments based on suggestions given by various stakeholders.
"The Waqf Board is a statutory body. All government bodies should be secular," the minister said, explaining the inclusion of non-Muslims on the board.
He, however, said the number of non-Muslims has been restricted to only four out of 22.
Rijiju also alleged that the Congress and other opposition parties, and not the BJP, were trying to scare Muslims with the Waqf Bill.
"You (opposition) are pushing Muslims out of the mainstream," he added.
He said for 60 years, the Congress and others ruled the country, but did not do much for Muslims and the community continues to live in poverty.
"Muslims are poor, who is responsible? You (Congress) are. Modi is now leading the government to uplift them," the minister said.
According to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Waqf tribunals will be strengthened, a structured selection process will be maintained, and a tenure will be fixed to ensure efficient dispute resolution.
As per the Bill, while Waqf institutions' mandatory contribution to Waqf boards is reduced from 7 per cent to 5 per cent, Waqf institutions earning over Rs 1 lakh will undergo audits by state-sponsored auditors.
A centralised portal will automate Waqf property management, improving efficiency and transparency.
The Bill proposes that practising Muslims (for at least five years) can dedicate their property to the Waqf, restoring pre-2013 rules.
It stipulates that women must receive their inheritance before the Waqf declaration, with special provisions for widows, divorced women and orphans.
The Bill proposes that an officer above the rank of collector investigate government properties claimed as Waqf.
It also proposes that non-Muslim members be included in the central and state Waqf boards for inclusivity.
