Need time to act against minister, says H D Kumaraswamy

Bengaluru: Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy Friday sought time to act against minister for backward classes welfare C Puttarangashetty, whose personal assistant was nabbed with unaccounted cash of Rs 25.76 lakh on January 4 at the state secretariat.

 "Give me some time. I take decisions in accordance with the law. There is no question of patronising anyone. I never believe in cover-up politics in the case of wrongdoing," he said in response to a question from reporters on when he would take action against the minister. The Chief Minister declined to comment on Mr Puttarangashetty's move to seek a court injunction to bar the media from publishing reports relating to the seizure.

Police said S G Mohan Kumar was arrested on January 4 with Rs 25.76 lakh in cash, which was collected from four contractors. The matter has been handed over to the anti-corruption bureau for investigation. The BJP has demanded that the ministerbe sacked to ensure an impartial investigation. "How can a fair investigation be carried out as long as Puttarangashetty is in the cabinet? He should be removed first," BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa had demanded three days ago.