Siddaramaiah's Son Yatindra Defends Probe, Calls for Punishment

Mysuru, Oct 23

Yatindra Siddaramaiah, Karnataka's Urban Development Minister and in-charge of Mysuru district, on Friday said he trusted the state police probe into an alleged sting operation connected to his father. He demanded that all those involved be arrested and investigated.

In a media interaction in Mysuru, Yatindra said his father had told Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Home Minister Priyank Kharge that the investigation should be carried out effectively and that those found responsible, irrespective of their position, should be punished.

He said a journalist and two other people had been detained and questioned. "My father has been informed about the detention of these individuals and about the journalist being called for questioning. He has asked the Chief Minister and Home Minister to ensure the probe is effective and that whoever is behind this is arrested," Yatindra said.

He stated that the government was committed to a transparent investigation and that the police were handling the case well. "We have trust in the investigation being done by our government. We expect the probe to be transparent. For now, we believe the police are doing their work properly. If the investigation is not conducted in the right manner, we will demand a high-level inquiry."

Yatindra also came out in support of the Chief Minister's wife after she faced criticism for her role at the Mysuru Dasara festival. He said there was nothing wrong with her offering flowers to Goddess Chamundeshwari, who was seated on the golden howdah during the 'Jamboo Savari' procession.

He argued that the Chief Minister's wife had not carried out any government work, so there was no violation of protocol that could justify criticism.

He also took aim at the police for stopping ministers from attending the 'Nandi Dhwaja Pooja' during the Mysuru Dasara festival. Yatindra said the concerned police officer had crossed his limits and asked why an IGP-rank officer had taken that decision.

Yatindra added that the state government had ordered an inquiry into the incident, which is currently underway. The officer concerned will have to explain his actions to the inquiry team. He stressed that, according to protocol, ministers should not have been stopped from taking part in a religious ceremony.