Daijiworld Media Network-Udupi (RJP)

Udupi, Dec 9: “State government is protecting the corrupt officials. That is the reason Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) is investigating the case of Chikkarayappa. The whole process of investigation is just an eyewash,” said former chief minister Jagadish Shettar.

Shettar was speaking to media after he visited Pejawar Swamiji here. He was on a visit to city and Mangaluru on Thursday, December 8.

“There has not been permission to prosecute 109 corrupt officials in a year. Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and ACB are all state government agencies. Kalburgi murder case is not yet closed with investigation going on even after months. But minister K J George was given a clean chit within one and half months. Chikkarayappa case should be handed over to CBI for impartial investigation,” he added.

Reacting to the suicide of Ramesh Gowda, driver of KAS official Bheema Naik, Shettar said probe should be taken up based on the content of the death note. He also said that black money issue of Janardhana Reddy which was mentioned in the death note should be probed.

Commenting on Yettinahole project Shettar said “People from both the regions should be taken into confidence as Yettinahole project is related to both the regions.”

Shettar said that he did not want to comment on Sangolli Rayanna brigade as it is an internal matter of the party. “The Brigade issue will be sorted out by the concerned leaders soon.” he said.