Write Comment     |     E-Mail To a Friend     |     Facebook     |     Twitter     |     Print

MANGALORE: The chorus for a CBI probe in to the rape and murder of Nirmala (name changed), IIPU student of SDM College, Ujire who was raped and murdered on October 9, 2012 is growing. Close on the heels of a similar demand made by dharmadhikari of Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala, D Veerendra Heggade, putting forth this demand at a public meeting in Ujire on Wednesday, former CM DV Sadananda Gowda, and former Union minister B Janardhan Poojary have joined this chorus.

 Former CM Sadananda Gowda said the case should be handed to CBI. "Then home minister R Ashoka had taken the matter seriously by handing over the case to CID. However, it is unfortunate that the investigation is not complete even after one year. Parents of the girl have demanded CBI probe and the BJP district committee too urges the CM Siddaramaiah to take decision in this direction immediately," he said adding that the issue has created lot of confusion among people.

 "Religious sentiments have been hurt due to unnecessary allegations that are levelled by a group against Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala. Attempts are being made to taint the temple’s holiness and individuals. A CBI probe needs to be ordered soon to clear all confusion," Gowda said.

 Janardhan Poojary, who backed the personal integrity and achievements of Heggade in the field of religion and social service, averred that it is in the best interest of all that the case is handed over to CBI. At the same time, Poojary cautioned people making allegations against Heggade and his family members not to do so without any proof. "If you have any proof that brings out their complicity, then please share it with the investigating agency — CID in this case," he said, adding that not sharing information about an incident too is punishable under section 201 of IPC.

 Incidentally, the CPM too has taken a similar stand with its leaders B Madhava, and K R Shriyan demanding that the probe be handed over to CBI. Madhava denied allegations that CPM was against any individual or organization and faith. Referring to the Padmalatha murder case nearly 20-years-ago, Madhava said it would be in fairness of things if the investigating agency concerned looked in to this aspect as well. The party condemned the move on part of the CID not to broad base the investigation in light of new facts emerging in the case that pointed fingers at few influential people at the dharmasthala.