Karnataka Congress leaders demand CBI probe against CM and his kins

New Delhi, Oct 10 (UNI) A high-level Karnataka Congress delegation today demanded a CBI probe into the disproportionate assets allegedly acquired by state Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and his family members through various ''shady deals''.

The delegation led by leaders of Opposition in Karnataka Legislature Dharam Singh and H K Patil, in a memorandum presented to President A P J Abdul Kalam drew his attention towards the allegations levelled by BJP legislator Janardhana Reddy against Mr Swamy and his Forest Minister Chennigappa having received Rs 150 crore from the mine operators in Bellary and the recent programme by a television channel alleging the involvement of politicians and bureaucrats in the illegal sale of forest land worth Rs 800 crore in Turahalli village in Bangalore south Taluk.

The memorandum alleged that the Chief Minister and his relatives not only amassed huge assets but were continuing their buying spree of valuable properties in and around Bangalore. The allegations included violation of various Central laws including Forest Conservation Act, Banking Regulation Act, Prevention of Corruption Act as Chief Minister and his ministers were 'public servants'.

Despite repeated demands by Opposition parties the Karnataka Government refused to give consent for the CBI to inquire into these deals as it involved the Chief Minister, his Cabinet colleagues and his family members.

Filing complaints before the state government of Lok Ayukta will not serve any purpose as they were to submit a report recommending the action to be taken. In the present case, the allegations were against the Chief Minister and his relatives and his government could not be expected to permit such an investigation by the Lok Ayukta, the leaders said.

Those who have signed the memorandum included Karnataka Pradesh Congress Chief M Mallikarjuna Kharge, former state ministers R V Desphande, D K Shivakumar and A B Patil and Secretary of Congress Legislature Party K R Ramesh Kumar.

UNI MCN YA DB2009