Karnataka Revokes CBI's Permission To Probe Cases In State
The Karnataka government has withdrawn its consent to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe “any cases” within its territory. Law Minister HK Patil alleged that the central agency was “biased” as a reason for the state cabinet decision.
Speaking about the government’s move, the minister said the CBI has not filed charge sheets in all cases the state referred to them, leaving many pending cases. “They have also refused to investigate several cases we have sent. There are numerous such instances. They are biased,” the law minister said, announcing that the state is withdrawing open consent for the CBI investigation.
The Minister also dismissed any connection between the decision and land scam allegations against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, including the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case.
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Notably, several opposition-ruled states earlier revoked open consent to the CBI for investigation, and that includes Trinamool Congress-ruled West Bengal, DMK-ruled Tamil Nadu, and Left-led Kerala. The CBI needs the state government’s written consent for an investigation.
The opposition-led states have accused the ruling BJP at the center of using the central agencies, including the CBI, to target its leaders. Notably, there was a demand from a parliamentary panel to enact the law to empower the probe agency to investigate cases without state interference. The panel also admitted the need for impartiality and objectivity in the functions of the agency.
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The government revocation of consent, however, comes as chief minister Siddaramaiah is facing a police case regarding the alleged MUDA land scam. The chief minister has denied all the charges, calling the allegation an attempt to tarnish him and the Congress government.
