'No objection for any kind of investigation in Suhas murder case': U T Khader

Mangaluru: Legislative Assembly Speaker U T Khader has said that he has no objection to any kind of investigation into the murder of Suhas Shetty, in Bajpe police station limits.

To a query on BJP claiming that the investigation is not satisfactory and demanding an NIA probe into the murder, Khader said “I do not oppose any investigation. The truth about who is behind the incident must come out. Let the Opposition and government hold discussions and take a call on the kind of investigation into the case," he said.

"Whoever committed the murder must be given strict punishment. Politics is not my priority, but my intention is peace and harmony in the Dakshina Kannada district should not be disrupted due to such incidents,” he said.

“No one has the right to murder anyone. All preventive measures should be taken to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the district," he added.

When asked about his statement on one of the accused, Fazil’s family members aimed at influencing the investigation, Khader said “I informed the media on whatever information I had received. I did not hide anything. During the tense atmosphere back then, I shared the information I had with the people of the constituency so that communal harmony is not disturbed. The police have traced the accused and have been successful in arresting eight persons. The police have to ensure that all the arrested are punished strictly,” he added.

“I do not support those who commit wrongdoing. The people of my constituency are well aware of it. I am not bothered of those who criticise or politicise the issue. Such allegations and criticisms are nothing new to me. Even before I was elected as MLA, I was criticised and allegations were made against me. In a democracy, everyone has the right to speak. Those who trust me will not pay heed to such criticisms,' Khader said while responding to a query.

“People from my constituency, district, and state invite me to cricket matches, weddings, and local events. I do attend them whenever I have time. Regarding the cricket match which the BJP is accusing me of – I did not attend it. My clear stance is that whoever is involved in such a murder must be given strict punishment,' he said."