BJP, JD(S) doing politics over ‘dead bodies’, says Shivakumar
BENGALURU, June 6: The Karnataka government on Friday “relieved” MLC K Govindaraj as political secretary to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and shunted out Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Intelligence, Hemant Nimbalkar in connection with June 4 stampede that killed 11 people, official sources said.
These decisions came a day after Siddaramaiah suspended Bengaluru police commissioner B Dayananda and four other senior police officials.
“The appointment of K Govindaraj as Political Secretary to the Chief Minister is hereby revoked with immediate effect. Accordingly, K Govindaraj is hereby relieved from the post of Political Secretary to the Chief Minister with immediate effect,” an official notification said.
Though no official reason was given for Govindaraj’s removal, the decision is said to be linked to the June 4 incident, according to official sources.
Amid allegations of intelligence failure over the stampede and the administration’s inaction in this regard, the government has decided to transfer ADGP, Intelligence, Hemant Nimbalkar, and senior IPS officer Ravi S will replace him.
Hemant M. Nimbalkar, IPS (KN 1998) Additional Director General of Police, Intelligence, Ravi S, IPS (KN 1998) Additional Director General of Police & Principal Secretary to Government (PCAS), Intelligence vice Hemant M Nimbalkar were all transferred.
Conceding that there was an intelligence failure in connection with the stampede incident, the CM on Thursday said, “No decision has been made yet about what action to be taken in this regard. We have discussed it.”
SHIVAKUMAR HITS OUT AT BJP, JD(S)
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Friday accused the opposition BJP and JD(S) of doing politics over “dead bodies”, as he hit out at them for demanding his resignation following the June 4 stampede here that killed 11 people.
“They (opposition) are trying to do politics over dead bodies. We are not doing it. We have sincerity….what do they have to target me? In what way am I responsible?” Shivakumar asked.
Speaking to reporters here, he said, “Karnataka State Cricket Association wrote (to the government) seeking permission.”
He added, “The event was held. I’m Bengaluru Minister….. I had also gone to the stadium as the Bengaluru Minister, what is wrong?”
“I had gone to the airport (to receive the RCB team). I requested them to cooperate as there was no permission for the victory procession. I gave them a Kannada flag and welcomed them. What’s wrong? What crime have I committed?” he further asked.
On criticism about going ahead with the RCB celebration despite having information about deaths, Shivakumar said, “I had no information, I’m telling you…”
The opposition BJP and JD(S) earlier today lashed out at the Congress government for making police officers the “scapegoat” for the stampede and alleged that the entire responsibility for the incident lies with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. They also demanded their resignation. (PTI)
