From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Jun 19: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has asserted that he is not pressurised to change the Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) in the murder case of Renukaswamy, who was allegedly tortured and killed by Kannada film actor Darshan and his associates, by any of the ministers, legislators or anybody else.
“The government is determined to punish the guilty. There is no question of yielding to pressures from any quarters,” he said declaring that “even if somebody tries to pressurise me to change the SPP, I will not yield to such pressures.”
Speaking to media persons in Vidhana Soudha on Wednesday, June 18, he said the allegation by opposition leaders and published in the media that SPP in the Renukaswamy murder case is being changed due to pressures is “totally baseless and false.”
“The Government will act strictly in accordance with the law. The police have been given complete freedom to pursue the case to is logical end,” he said.
'Casteism more prevalent among educated'
Earlier, participating in a function to felicitate students, who had performed well in SSLC and PUC examinations, the Chief Minister exhorted the students to come out of the clutches of the caste system if the society has to improve and progress.
Siddaramaiah lamented that casteism is more prevalent among the educated sections, including doctors and engineers, and said it is deplorable that the educated and affluent people are still following caste system and the beliefs in fate.
The Chief Minister appreciated the performance of the students in government residential schools with results of 96% and hoped that the performance will touch 100% in the coming year.
The Social Welfare Department is running 833 residential schools and total number of residential schools in the State is 946. Another 20 residential schools are being started this year, he said and indicated that the government wants to establish at least one residential school in every hobli in the State.
Pointing out that social inequalities, untouchability and injustice are rampant because of the evil practice of caste system, he said the parents, teachers and elders must come out of the superstitious beliefs and ensure that the children are allowed to develop rational and scientific attitude.
Basavanna fought against caste system in the 12th century and Dr B R Ambedkar and several other national leaders fought against casteism, which is the root cause of most social evils.
In the past girls, even from the so called forward or upper castes were deprived of education, the Chief Minister said and pointed out that he feels happy when more and more girls join schools and become educated.