Govt stands by decision not to give Ravi case to CBI

The State government on Thursday stood by its decision against handing over the probe into the death of IAS officer D K Ravi to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

While the demand for a CBI probe became shrill, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) began the investigation in full gusto.

Home Minister K J George told reporters that there was absolutely no change in the State’s stand. “Whatever decision we have taken on the floor of the House, that is our decision even now. We will stick to it,” he said.

His reaction was sought following a statement in the Lok Sabha by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh that if Karnataka recommends a CBI probe, then the Centre would immediately give the green signal.

George said: “There are efficient officers in the CID. An impartial inquiry will be conducted.”

The government was unfazed by the continued protest by the BJP and JD(S) members in the Legislature and their petition to the governor seeking his intervention to direct the government to go in for a CBI probe.  

The government, however, seems to have taken note of the criticism by the Opposition for transferring Pronab Mohanty from the post of Inspector General of Police (CID).

According to Law Minister T B Jayachandra, the government has put on hold the transfer order and Mohanty will now supervise the investigation. The government had shifted Mohanty as IGP, Karnataka Lokayukta, on Wed-nesday, a day after handing over the case to the CID. The Opposition had questioned the motive behind the transfer.

The Opposition had accused the government of shifting an efficient officer because it did not favour a fair probe.

According to sources, Mohanty’s transfer was decided last week and it was a mere coincidence that the orders were issued on Wednesday.