The Supreme Court’s order for a CBI investigation into the death of Deputy Superintendent of Police M.K. Ganapathy, was welcomed by his family. “We can now hope for justice”, said M.K. Machaiah, brother of the deceased.
Meanwhile, the order sparked a fresh political row with the Opposition BJP demanding the resignation of Bengaluru City Development Minister K.J. George, who had been accused of harassment by the officer in a television interview before his death.
Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy and Mr. George have ruled out the possibility of resignation at this point in time. The BJP is planning protests to press for resignation.
The order of the Supreme Court follows an appeal of Ganapathy’s father M.K. Kushalappa and brother Mr. Machaiah filed against the order of the Karnataka High Court rejecting his plea for a CBI probe. The CID, which investigated the death of Ganapathy, had filed a B report.
Welcoming the Supreme Court’s direction, Mr. Machaiah said the family had been demanding a CBI probe “right from day one”. “We have no ill-feeling towards anybody. We only wish to know whether Ganapathy actually committed suicide or whether he was killed. If such a bold police official was to end his life, who is behind it? The family is particular that the truth should come out,” said he said.
Mr. Machaiah thanked the public, particularly the people of Kodagu, and the Opposition parties for standing by them in their demand for a CBI probe.