BJP seeks CBI probe into bribery charge against CM

Bangalore, Aug 24: Suspended Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator G Janardhana Reddy, who has levelled serious bribery allegations against Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, has approached the High Court, seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter.

In the writ petition, filed by his counsel C V Nagesh yesterday, the defiant BJP leader sought a direction to the CBI to probe the allegations against Mr Kumaraswamy, his Cabinet colleagues M P Prakash and C Chennigappa under the Prevention of Corruption Act and Indian Penal code. He had named the CBI Director and the CBI State office as the respondents.

The petition was, however, yet to be admitted.

Mr Reddy said he was forced to seek legal recourse as he became a target of a vilification campaign after levelling the allegations.

He submitted that he had several documentary evidence against the three, who had allegedly coerced mine operators in Bellary district to cough up the demanded sum or face closure of mining activities.

Besides, he had recorded meetings of mine owners with Ministers concerned and their representatives, where the demands were made.

He alleged that the graft money, running into crores of Rupees, was used to purchase movable and immovable properties in their name or in the names of their kins and claimed that he had sufficient material evidence relating to the financial transactions of the Chief Minister and his family members.

UNI