DySP Ganapathy death case: Karnataka minister KJ George booked
In a setback to Congress in Karnataka, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a case against Karnataka minister and CM Siddaramaiah close aide KJ George and two senior police officials in Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) M K Ganapathy's death case in 2016. This is based on SC's directive ordering a CBI probe in the DySP's death. Here's more about it.
What triggered the case?
In 2016, DySP Ganapathy, who was facing investigation in cases of corruption and alleged fake encounters, committed suicide at a lodge in Kodagu, Karnataka. However, before his death, he had told a local television channel that if anything were to happen to him, George and two senior police officers AM Prasad and Pranav Mohanty should be held responsible.
How did the investigation proceed?
This suicide created political ripples in Karnataka. Ganapathy's son filed a complaint against George, Prasad and Mohanty. George stepped down as minister and officers were transferred. The government-ordered Criminal Investigation Department (CID) probe listed personal and professional problems, mental health problems and suicide of colleague DySP Kallappa Handibag as possible reasons for suicide. The investigation didn't name any individual for the death.
Why were George and the officers given a clean chit?
During the investigation, CID questioned George and the other officers. It was stated that they had no direct interactions with Ganapathy during the period leading to his death. After the CID gave them a clean chit, George was re-instated as minister and given the portfolio of urban planning and development. Prasad was made state intelligence chief and Mohanty was on central deputation.
But, then the case was re-opened
When George and the officers were given a clean chit, the decision was criticized by civil activists and political parties. Subsequently, Ganapathy's father and brother approached the SC with a plea for reopening the investigations that were closed by Karnataka police's CID unit.
How have George, CM and opposition reacted?
After George was named an accused, BJP's CM candidate BS Yeddyurappa demanded George's resignation as his ministerial position could hamper fair investigation and increase possibility of evidence-tampering. He threatened protests if no action is taken. CM Siddaramaiah rejected this demand and promised a fair probe. George said "let the CBI investigate" claiming 'this isn't the first time that Yeddyurappa's asked for his resignation'.
What does this mean for Karnataka politics?
The CBI has to notify the SC regarding the status of the investigation in three months. This case puts the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government, which faces anti-incumbency, at a disadvantage as Karnataka goes to polls next year. Meanwhile, BJP has increased its offensive in Karnataka by planning a 7,500km Nava Karnataka Yatra and banking on PM Narendra Modi's "brand of governance" to win the state.
