Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Apr 20: The Karnataka state BJP has strongly criticised the Congress-led government over the CID closure report that cleared Congress MLA Channareddy Patil Tunnur in the controversial suicide case of Dalit police sub-inspector (PSI) Parashuram. Calling it a grave injustice, the BJP accused the government of shielding the accused and failing Dalit officers.
Leader of Opposition R Ashoka launched a scathing attack on home minister G Parameshwara, asking, “When people from your own community are falling prey to the government’s injustice, doesn’t it stir your conscience?” Parameshwara, himself a Dalit leader, faced mounting pressure as the BJP framed the issue as a betrayal of the Dalit community.
Ashoka alleged that PSI Parashuram's suicide was a direct result of harassment by the Congress MLA and his son, adding that the CID’s B-report giving a clean chit was ‘yet another instance’ of the government suppressing justice for Dalits. “The anti-Dalit Siddaramaiah government neither protects nor stands by Dalits,” he said.
The 35-year-old PSI Parashuram died under suspicious circumstances in September 2024 in Yadgir. His wife, Shwetha, had filed a complaint alleging that her husband was driven to suicide after facing sustained pressure and extortion demands from MLA Channareddy and his son, Pampanna Gouda. She claimed Parashuram paid Rs 30 lac for his posting to Yadgir city police station and was later asked for another Rs 30 lac to retain his post.
Despite the family’s allegations and public outrage, the CID submitted a closure report clearing the MLA, prompting backlash. “Now, just like the Valmiki Corporation scam where a Dalit officer was sacrificed and the SIT was merely an eyewash, this too is being buried,” Ashoka said.
Shwetha expressed anguish over the closure report. “My husband had repeatedly told me he was under pressure from the MLA. Now the authorities are claiming we lodged a false case. This is injustice,” she said.
The state government had earlier announced a compensation of Rs 50 lac and a government job for the family but ruled out a CBI probe into the matter. The BJP, however, is pushing for central intervention.
Leader of Opposition in Legislative Council, Chalavadi T Narayanaswamy, has written to the Governor seeking his intervention, while Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje also raised the issue with the Union Home Ministry. Following this, the Centre directed the State chief secretary to submit a detailed report.
“This is a test of conscience for home minister Parameshwara. Will he bring down the corrupt chief minister and stand with the Dalit community?” Ashoka questioned, adding that the BJP will continue to fight for justice for PSI Parashuram.
The case has triggered a political storm in Karnataka, with the opposition rallying around the Dalit identity of the deceased officer and accusing the Congress of institutional apathy and corruption.