Expedite probe into stamp paper scam, BJP tells CBI

Mysore, Sep 12 (UNI) The BJP in Karnataka today urged the Central Bureau of Investigations (CBI) to expedite inquiry into the multi-crore fake stamp paper scam and bring the guilty to book.

Speaking to newspersons here, State BJP President D V Sadananda Gowda said the Central agency should also probe the involvement of the Congress leaders, whom scam kingpin Abdul Karim Telgi named in his narco-analysis, as shown by some private TV channels. Even before those named could react, the Congress leaders in the State over-reacted in a hurried manner, he criticised.

Demanding a fresh probe against those involved in the scam, he questioned the Congress' ''double standards'' on the issue by not agreeing to a CBI inquiry in the Telgi scam, while seeking a CBI probe into the bribery allegation against Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy.

On the suspension of BJP MLC Janardhana Reddy after he levelled the bribery allegation against Mr Kumaraswamy, Mr Gowda said that being the party State President, he had reported the matter to the party Central Parliamentary Committee. The Committee had convened a meeting on September 23 in New Delhi. The State BJP office bearers have also been called for the meeting. An appropriate action would be taken against Mr Reddy and those who supported him at the meet.

About fielding a common candidate for the byelection to the Chamundeshwari Assembly constituency, vacated by former Deputy Chief Minister Siddaramaiah before he joined the Congress, he said he would discuss the issue with the party district leaders and workers.

Later, it would be discussed at the Coordination Committee meeting of the JD(S)-BJP coalition Government, he added.

UNI BSP GD VD DB2031