Shivamogga; Even as the family of the 14-year-old girl who died mysteriously at Tirthahalli is trying to come to grips with the loss of their daughter, the tragedy has led to a strong exchange of allegations between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the ruling Congress.
In the backdrop of the BJP’s demand for his resignation, Minister of State for Primary and Secondary Education Kimmane Ratnakar alleged here on Wednesday that BJP leaders were trying to disturb communal harmony and thereby gain political advantage.
Commenting on the demand by B.S. Yeddyurappa, Shimoga MP and BJP national vice-president, for a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the incident, he said it was unfortunate that the former Chief Minister had also indulged in petty politics.
IGP visit
CID Inspector-General of Police Pranab Mohanty and Superintendent of Police D.C. Rajappa visited Tirthahalli town on Wednesday to take stock of the situation. The officers visited Anandagiri hill near the town where the girl was allegedly forced to consume water mixed reportedly with sedatives. They spoke to the parents of the victim at their residence for more than an hour.
They also visited the Jayachamarajendra Hospital in Tirthahalli, the government health establishment where the girl was first treated, and the house of Kamalamma, a woman who had rescued the girl from Anandagiri hill.
Meanwhile, Manjula Manasa, Chairperson of the Karnataka State Commission for Women, visited the house of the victim. A verbal clash ensued between Ms. Manasa and BJP leaders, including MLC P.V. Krishna Bhat and the former Chairperson of the commission C. Manjula, at the spot.
A bandh was observed in Sagar and Hosanagar taluks on Wednesday. Education institutions, commercial establishments and government offices remained closed in both the towns.
Shobha petitions NCW
Shobha Karandlaje, BJP MP, on Wednesday petitioned the National Commission for Women (NCW) to depute a delegation to Tirthahalli to examine the issue surrounding the mysterious death of a 14-year-old girl in the town.
In a letter to the NCW, she alleged that the State government was trying to twist the case. She appealed to the commission to direct the State government to ensure a fair probe so as to bring out the truth.
