DySP Ganapati probe: Justices Hegde, Venkatachala say no

BENGALURU: The family members of slain DySP M.K. Ganapati had said on Wednesday that they would welcome a judicial inquiry into the case only if former Lokayuktas Justice N. Santosh Hegde or Justice N. Venkatachala is appointed to probe the case. However, both the Justices mentioned would not take the responsibility for their own reasons.

The state government has decided to conduct a judicial inquiry into the DySP’s suicide case, which rocked it in the legislative session, after pressure from the opposition parties. But Ganapati’s wife had made a statement that she does not have trust in judicial inquiry, but only in CBI probe. However, she had told that she would welcome if Justice Hegde or Justice Venkatachala are given the responsibility of judicial probe.

It is learnt that Justice Hegde is not willing to take up the responsibility, even if the government requests him. Incidentally, Mr Hegde has refused to make any comment about the entire episode. It is reliably learnt that he does not want to involve in this case in any way, as Lokayukta IGP Pronab Mohanty, who was named by Ganapati, had earlier worked in the Lokayukta agency when Justice Hegde was serving as the Lokayukta.

Considering the fact they both had worked together, Justice Hegde has reportedly decided to stay away from this. “He is of the opinion that if he conducts the inquiry, many would still question the objectivity as one of the officers had earlier worked with him. Thus he has decided not to accept the responsibility even if the government requests him,” sources close to Justice Hegde said.

On the other hand, Justice Venkatachala, who is 86 years now, would also not take up the responsibility due to old age related health issues. Thus, it is said that the government also does not have any plans to approach him in this regard.

Kodagu bandh total, protestors brave rain, Cold weather
Kodagu district, the land of coffee, came to a standstill on Thursday, as the bandh called by pro-Hindu activists (supported by BJP, JDS, Kodava Samaj, Chamber of Commerce, CNC, Gowda Samaj and 40 other organisations), protesting against the State Government’s lackadaisical attitude to the suicide of Dy SP Ganapati, met with a widespread, favourable response, despite rain and chilly weather.

As tension gripped the district, the police turned Kodagu into a fortress with heavy police security, by deputing 1,200 policemen, 25 KSRP platoons, three vigilance, and 150 patrol vehicles, led by 150 police officers.