In a clear message to the Centre, the State government, toeing the line of the BJP central leadership, has decided to keep the CBI out of the State’s boundary as far as the investigations into illegal mining is concerned.
Speaking to Deccan Herald, Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda said: “We have no trust in the CBI and we do not think we want them to probe into illegal mining here. The Supreme Court had asked us to submit a status report on illegal mining. We have submitted that and also sought that the CBI does not investigate into the matter.”
Gowda said the decision was in line with the policy –– to prevent the CBI from investigating cases –– adopted by all BJP-ruled states.
The BJP has been criticising the Centre for misuing the agency to serve its ends and had even termed it “Congress Bureau of Investigation” as opposed to Central Bureau of Investigation.
Sources in Vidhana Soudha said a decision to this effect was taken after having found that the reports of the Lokayukta, CID and the Central Empowered Committe (CEC) to be adequate.
However, there are rumours that the State’s move comes in a bid to prevent former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa from getting into fresh trouble. The BJP, however, denies such intentions behind the move.
“...At this juncture we do not see a reason why the CBI should interfere. The findings of our investigating agencies are satisfactory,” Gowda said, elaborating on the reasons for such an appeal.
Further, he pointed out that the CEC, appointed by the Supreme Court, is a non-state agency which has submitted independent findings.
Gowda ruled out the need for another inquiry into the matter.