Karnataka Minister denies involvement in attack on mine owner

In a statement here, Reddy, the tourism and Infrastructure Development minister, said he saw a "conspiracy" by his political opponents, particularly those associated with the Congress party. "It has been done to tarnish my image," he said.

"The context, timing and the way in which the assault was carried out only strengthens my doubt that it was done to prejudice the central survey team which has been camping in Bellary to demarcate territories of different mines owned by me and others," Reddy said.
Perhaps, the conspirators also wanted to create an impression that the law and order situation had deteriorated in Karnataka, he said.

To a query, he said the chances of so called victim's hand in the conspiracy could not be ruled out.Meanwhile, KPCC President R V Deshpande today blamed Reddy for the attack and demanded that the government immediately transfer District Superintendent of Police Seemant Kumar Singh.He also demanded that the government render protection to the family of Ganesh, conduct an impartial inquiry into the attack and bring the culprits to book