Daijiworld Media Network - Ballari (MS)

Ballary, Feb 13: Two people died in a car accident that took place near Hospet in the district three days ago. Now it is being alleged that the car was reportedly driven by Sharath, son of influential state BJP minister R Ashok.

The car which caused the accident has KA 05 MW 0357 number plate on it. It is a high end car from Mercedes Benz. Accident occurred on Monday, when this car, which had five occupants, was going back towards Bengaluru after sightseeing around Hampi in the district. During that time, the accident has taken place near Mariyammanahalli on the outskirts of Hospet.

Son of R Ashok, who had injuries to his head in the accident was reportedly taken to Bengaluru, it is learnt. It is also said that the name of the driver is mentioned as Rahul in the FIR and not Sharath.

The car which met with the accident is said to be in the name of National Public School of Uttarahalli in Bengaluru. This car belongs to R Ashok, it is learnt. A case in this regard is registered in Mariyammanahalli police station.

‘No relation with the car in accident’ - Clarifies minister R Ashok

Revenue minister R Ashok said that there is no connection between him and the car that was involved in the accident at Hospet in Ballari district in which two people were killed. The minister also said that his son was not driving the car.

Responding to the accusation Ashok said, "Two innocents have lost their lives in the accident. This is really tragic. However, the car that is involved in the accident has no relation with me. In addition, my son was not driving the car.

"I am not responding as a minister. But certain matters are published linking me to this car accident in media. Investigation is on. I am confident that the truth will emerge after the inquiry. Law is equal to all. No one is above the law. Erring persons should be punished,” he said.

‘Car was driven by a person named Rahul and not Sharath’ - SP of Ballari clarifies

In the car accident that took place at Mariammanahalli at Ballari, two pedestrians by the names Ravi Naik and Sachin lost their lives. It was being said that Sharath, son of revenue minister R Ashok was at the wheels when the accident took place. In addition, the police were also silent on this mishap. All this led to the spreading of many rumours. However, Revenue minister R Ashok had categorically denied having any relation with the car that was involved in the accident and also said that his son was not driving the car.

SP of Ballari has also clarified that the car which met with accident was driven by a person called Rahul and not Sharath, son of minister R Ashok, as mentioned earlier. SP also said, "Rahul was driving the car when the accident took place. Sachin, a pedestrian lost his life while being taken to the hospital. Rahul is also seriously injured in the accident and was taken to Bengaluru for higher treatment."

Rumours were rife in Ballari district that the car which met with accident was registered in the name of National Public school of Bengaluru and was driven by son of revenue minister R Ashok. However, his name was not mentioned anywhere in the FIR. Now the clarification by SP of Ballary has put an end to all the rumours. Further investigation is on.