Congress MLA Priyank Kharge has been summoned by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) probing irregularities in the recruitment of police sub-inspectors (SI) in Karnataka. Karnataka Home Minister Araga Gyanendra gave this information on Monday. Gyanendra issued a statement saying that Kharge had recently released an audio recording of the conversation regarding irregularities in SI recruitment and the Congress MP had also sent this recording to him. The minister said, “The CID, which is probing irregularities in SI recruitment, has sent a notice to Priyank Kharge for questioning. I appeal to the MLA to show his responsibility and help him by sharing the evidence with the CID, which is probing the matter in the right direction.” He said, “Kharge should cooperate in the investigation by sharing documents and other information with the CID officials. They should at least cooperate in ensuring that legal action is taken against those involved in irregularities.” Gyanendra cautioned, “As a fair investigation is on, there is no question of sparing anyone, no matter how influential the person may be.”
The Home Minister said that he has ordered a probe into the matter only after consultation with Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, so that justice can be done to those candidates who appeared in the SI exam honestly but could not get selected. He said that such irregularities cause great harm to the society as talented candidates coming from poor families get sidelined due to such illegal activities. Responding to the notice, Kharge alleged that the CID has issued a notice to him to divert attention as the investigation is not going in any direction. The Congress MLA also said that he can give his reply in writing and there is no compulsion on him to appear in person. Rejecting the allegations that the sting operation was conducted, Kharge told reporters in Bengaluru that the information he shared was already available in a public forum, including documents signed by officials and replies given in the Karnataka Assembly and Legislative Council. Are included. He also said that the contents of the audio have been published in the newspapers.
Kharge alleged, “What information do they have then? If they don’t have any information then why are they hiding it? Shouldn’t they be informed? I have been served notice, but not to the person who had lunch with the accused and the acting head of recruitment.” The scam took place in Kalaburagi district and Kharge is an MLA from Chittapur assembly constituency in the same district. His father and former Union Minister Mallikarjun Kharge was also an MP from Gulbarga (Kalburgi) Lok Sabha constituency. More than 10 people, including the security personnel of Afzalpur MLA, have been arrested in this case, while a BJP leader who was close to many big leaders in Karnataka is absconding. However, her husband is arrested. This matter came to the fore when a candidate was given 100 percent marks for attempting just 21 questions. More than 54,000 candidates appeared for the 545 SI posts. According to police sources, preliminary investigation revealed that Rs 75 lakh to Rs 80 lakh was taken as bribe from the candidates.