Gadag, June 22 (UNI) Former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Sunday backed Minister HK Patil’s letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, which raised concerns over the lack of progress in illegal mining cases, and called for the setting up of a special court to ensure justice.
Bommai’s remarks come amid a growing political storm triggered by a purported audio clip of senior Congress MLA BR Patil, in which he is allegedly heard expressing concern over alleged corruption and irregularities linked to land and mining issues.
In the said clip, which has gone viral, Patil is purportedly heard suggesting that "things are happening" and hinting at deep-rooted issues, though he denies directly accusing any individual.
Stating that the issue raised by a Cabinet Minister was “serious and significant,” Bommai questioned the state government's silence on the matter.
“There is a government in place. Now the question is — how will the Chief Minister respond? One of his own ministers has flagged a very grave issue,” Bommai said, addressing reporters.
He said while several of these illegal mining cases had been transferred to central agencies like the CBI and SIT, there were serious concerns regarding the credibility of these investigations.
“There are already doubts and allegations against several SIT officers. In fact, even the investigation process itself is under a cloud. These are not minor issues,” Bommai said.
The BJP leader said the matter should be taken up at the highest level and demanded that a special court be constituted to ensure transparency and accountability in the proceedings.
“This is not just a legal issue, it’s a test of this government's political will,” Bommai said. UNI BDN SSP