Parents demand CBI probe into Ravi's death

Govt caught unawares by Vidhana Soudha protest

Parents and relatives of the late IAS officer D K Ravi on Wednesday sent the ruling Congress into a tizzy when they sat on a protest in front of Kengal Hanumanthaiah’s statue at the west gate of Vidhana Soudha demanding a CBI probe.

They also threatened to go on an indefinite hunger strike and even commit suicide if their demand was not met.

Like in the Assembly, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah made a vain bid to convince Ravi’s parents and relatives that the CID probe would result in an impartial inquiry and to wait till the post-mortem report was out.

“Senior and efficient officers are investigating the case. Let us wait for the forensic and post mortem reports.... It will take another four days. The CID will also be submitting its report in a few days. After the reports are submitted let us decide the next step,” Siddaramaiah said.

It was only after JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy assured the family that the entire Opposition would continue the indefinite dharna in the Legislature till the government announced a CBI probe that they agreed to end the hunger strike and vacate the premises.

Kumaraswamy told Ravi’s family that they should attend the ceremonies of the departed IAS officer and the Opposition would fight for their cause. “The entire State is watching and wants a CBI probe. If the probe is not ordered in four days we will come back and launch an indefinite hunger strike,” Prabha, Ravi’s cousin, said.

Ravi’s father-in-law Hanumantharayappa, who had earlier in the day demanded a CBI probe, joined the agitation for sometime.

Ravi’s father Kariyappa Gowda, mother Gowramma, brother Ramesh and six other relatives arrived at Vidhana Soudha from Doddakoppalu village in Kunigal taluk at 3:45 pm and stated they would not budge till the chief minister announces a CBI probe. They refused to meet Siddaramaiah in his chambers and sat down below Kengal Hanumanthaiah’s statue in Vidhana Soudha. 

They also refused to leave the place despite Congress MLA P M Ashok requesting them to meet the CM. After nearly two hours, Siddaramaiah had no option but to come down to the protest site. He was accompanied by Cabinet colleagues D K Shivakumar, T B Jayachandra among others.

“My son could not have committed suicide. He has done so much for the State. He was a brave man. Only a CBI probe will bring out the truth. I want justice,” a frail looking Gowramma said.

Siddaramaiah, who gave a patient hearing, said he could understand their pain. He, too, admitted that Ravi was an honest officer.

Meanwhile, Kumaraswamy accused the government of trying to tarnish Ravi’s image. “We have reports that the CM  will be dropping a bombshell in two days that would defame Ravi,” Kumaraswamy said. Both houses of the Legislature were paralysed for the day.