Hubballi (Karnataka) [India], June 13 (ANI): Former Chief Minister of Karnataka and Member of Parliament, Basavaraj Bommai, has urged authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the murder of Renukaswamy allegedly by Kannada superstar Darshan Thoogudeepa.
The murder of a 33-year-old from Chitradurga, Renukaswamy, whose body was found in Kamakshipalya, Bengaluru, on June 9 has political implications with demands for justice from the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community.
In a media address on Thursday, Bommai emphasized the gravity of the case, calling for an exhaustive probe to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
"It is a serious case, and officials must conduct a thorough and impartial probe till the accused are punished," Bommai said.
Highlighting the importance of equality before the law, Bommai said, "No one must behave in an inhumane manner. Whether in power or a celebrity, none have special privileges. All were equal before the law. Taking the law into one's hands was a crime. When it escalates to the level of murder, the case must be taken seriously."
Bommai underscored the premeditated nature of the crime and called for a rigorous investigation into the alleged involvement of Kannada film actor Darshan Thoogudeepa.
"There were many types of murders but this was a premeditated murder. This was a serious offence, and the investigation into the alleged role of Kannada film actor Darshan Tugudeepa, in this case, must be probed. The same vigour and integrity must be maintained throughout the investigation. Only then will the guilty be punished," the former chief minister said.
Earlier on Tuesday, Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa was taken into custody in connection with the same case, the police said.
The case has been registered at the Kamakshipalya police station.
Around 10 people have been detained in this case.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) S Girish confirmed that Thoogudeepa has been taken for questioning by the police.
Further investigation is underway in the case.
Meanwhile, newly elected Member of Parliament for Haveri, Basavaraj Bommai clarified that the by-election process for the Shiggaon Assembly constituency has not yet commenced, as he has not resigned from his position as a Member of the State Legislative Assembly.
"The by-election process for the Shiggaon Assembly constituency has not started since I am still a member of the State Legislative Assembly and have not yet resigned. As of today, I am still the MLA of the Shiggaon constituency. The by-election process will begin after I resign," Bommai explained.
When questioned about the possibility of his son receiving the party ticket for the Shiggaon by-election, Bommai deferred the decision to his party.
"The party will decide on the ticket issue. We must adhere to the party's decision. Whomever the party gives the ticket to, I will work sincerely for them," the BJP MP said.
Bommai also addressed concerns regarding the representation of North Karnataka in the newly formed Union Cabinet. He dismissed claims of regional injustice, emphasizing that Karnataka has received adequate ministerial positions in Modi 3.0.
"I am fortunate to have been part of the process that selected Modi as the NDA candidate. Karnataka has received as many ministerial positions as it should. There is nothing more to expect. Three have been given cabinet rank and two have been given state portfolios. We should not discuss the allocation of ministerial positions by region. We all must work for the comprehensive development of Karnataka," the MP from Haveri said.
The former Chief Minister of Karnataka, Basavaraj Bommai, has also won the Haveri seat, garnering 7,05,538 votes.
Even as the Congress won the Assembly elections comfortably in Karnataka, the BJP managed a clear majority in the Lok Sabha elections in the state, taking its tally to 17.
However, the BJP won 26 seats in the 2019 general elections in Karnataka.
Janata Dal (Secular), which contested as an ally with the BJP in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), won two seats, taking the total tally of the alliance to 19.
The Congress managed to win seven seats this time, improving its performance compared to the 2019 general elections, when the party won a single seat.
The BJP bagged 240 seats and the National Democratic Alliance secured 293 seats out of 543 Lok Sabha seats. Congress fought the election as part of the INDIA bloc and the parties together were able to prevent BJP from getting a majority on its own in Lok Sabha. (ANI)
