Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, Mar 28: Youth Congress leader Mithun Rai on Sunday, March 28 claimed that the special investigation team (SIT), which is probing the sensational sleaze CD purportedly involving former BJP minister Ramesh Jarkiholi, had 'sponsored' the 'press meet' where the parents of the woman involved levelled allegations again KPCC president D K Shivakumar.
The woman's parents and brother on Saturday March 27 had appeared before the SIT in Bengaluru. Speaking to the media, they had accused D K Shivakumar of 'using a girl from the ST community' for playing 'dirty politics', adding that they had handed over all evidence of his involvement to the SIT.
Addressing a press meet at Congress Bhavan here, Mithun Rai said, "Entire country has witnessed the manliness of Ramesh Jarkiholi and people are aware of the character in the CD. Even children know who Jarkiholi is. In this case, the statement of the woman is important. Though the victim filed a complaint through her advocate alleging sexual exploitation on promise of job, SIT officials have failed to arrest the accused."
Mithun Rai also said that the victim had sought police protection for her family members. "The accused is involved in destruction of evidence," he alleged.
"Yesterday's press meet held by the family member of the victim was sponsored by SIT. Why were the family members silent till now, and why did they not appear before SIT to record their statement for the past 25 days?" he questioned.
He alleged that instead of arresting the accused, the SIT officers are putting in efforts to 'twist' the case. "Everyone knows the history of Ramesh Jarkiholi. He betrayed Congress and joined the BJP. This proves his manliness."
Rai said that he will personally hold a protest in front of SIT office in Bengaluru from March 29 till SIT arrests the accused. "The protest is to condemn such moves by the SIT, and will go on till the victim get justice," he added.
"Jarkiholi is a blemish to the government. Does chief minister Yediyurappa need such MLAs?" he said.
He also said that the victim should appear before the court and give statement before the magistrate.