Karnataka: Minister Hebbalkar Calls for impartial Probe into Rudranna Yadavannavar's death

Expressing sadness over the incident, Hebbalkar described it as tragic and stressed that justice must be delivered to Yadavannavar’s family.

“I learned about Rudranna Yadavannavar’s death through the media and have limited information about the case,” she said.

BJP leaders have been demanding Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar's resignation alleging that Rudranna took his life naming Lakshmi Hebbalkar's PA for harassment and pressure in his death note.

Reacting to BJP’s protests, the minister added, “I cannot ask the BJP not to protest, but politicizing this issue is unnecessary. Rudranna himself stated earlier that Madam (referring to me) had no role in this matter, so baseless allegations are inappropriate.”

Minister's brother MLC Channaraj Hattiholi also called for a fair investigation and accountability for those responsible.

“We do not rely solely on PAs to do our work. I and my sister Lakshmi Hebbalkar maintain direct contact with the people. Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar is a leader who stays in close touch with the public,” he told reporters.

Responding to questions about alleged financial transactions involving Hebbalkar’s PA, Somu, in connection to Rudranna's transfer, Hattiholi remarked, “I have no knowledge of such transactions. Rudranna was a young government employee with many years of service ahead of him. I do not have full details on the incident, but I have seen Rudranna’s message in a WhatsApp group before his death, mentioning injustices in the Tehsildar’s office. The police should investigate this,” he added.