'Order CBI probe,' becomes protesters' rallying cry

Vokkaligara Sangha, along with students from various educational institutions run by it, took out a massive procession in the City on Friday seeking a CBI probe into the death of IAS officer D K Ravi.

Prominent people from the Vokkaliga community, including seers, politicians, film stars, academicians and professionals, took part in the rally from the Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) premises in Chamarajpet to Freedom Park.

The Sangha leaders warned the government that the protests would continue till a CBI probe was ordered into the bureaucrat’s death.

Vishwa Vokkaliga Mahasamsthana seer Chandrashekhar Swami, Pattanayakanahalli Mutt seer Nanjavadhoota Swami, Vokkaligara Sangha president and senior ophthalmologist Dr Appaji Gowda, former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy, former deputy chief minister R Ashoka, former ministers Ramachandre Gowda, V Somanna, N Cheluvarayaswamy, MLC Ashwathnarayana, film star Srinagar Kitty were prominent among those who were present.

Addressing the protesters, Kumaraswamy said: “Ordering a CBI probe is the only option, as there are many doubts over Ravi’s death. The CID probe can’t be transparent and will never bring out the truth. The government is shying away from it to protect some politicians and real estate businessmen, and neglecting the public demand for a CBI inquiry.”

R Ashoka of the BJP came down heavily on Bengaluru City Police Commissioner M N Reddi for terming Ravi’s death a suicide, even before the completion of the inquiry. He also criticised Siddaramaiah for visiting Victoria Hospital when the postmortem was being conducted.

Vokkaligara Sangha has decided to donate Rs 10 lakh to Ravi’s parents, while Pattanayakanahalli Mutt seer Nanjavadhoota Swami announced that he would pay Rs one lakh to Ravi’s family.

Ravi’s mother Gowramma also participated in the demonstration at Freedom Park and demanded a CBI probe.

Hundreds of students and staff from KIMS, VV Puram College and other institutions joined the protest.

Protests continue

The Mahalaskhmi Layout unit of JD(S), Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, Karnataka Rakshana Vedike and Aam Aadmi Party also staged separate protests demanding a CBI probe into Ravi’s death.  The Federation of Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry held a condolence meeting at its office. The AAP workers staged a protest in front of the Town Hall.