BENGALURU: Home Minister Araga Jnanendra has said that he has sought a detailed report from the Kodagu SP regarding the arms training conducted by Bajarang Dal.
Speaking to reporters, he said that as per initial information, the self-defence training was imparted at a private school using air guns, and not rifles. Stating that he did not have information about Trishul Diksha and swords, he said he has asked the SP for a full report.
Reacting to Opposition leader Siddaramaiah’s remarks on the alleged arms training, Jnanendra said angrily, “The government withdrew cases against criminal elements and SDPI members when Siddaramaiah was Chief Minister. Now he speaks about us? This is not right”.
On the PSI recruitment scam, he said the case will be taken to its logical end. “We took the step to protect the interests of innocent, poor and Dalit candidates. All those involved in irregularities will not be spared. At the same time, the interests of the innocent will be protected. We will soon announce a fresh date for the test and those who have cleared the physical fitness test can appear. Influential people are involved. Once we get the CID report, we will know everything”, while welcoming any suggestions from Opposition leaders like Siddaramaiah and H D Kumaraswamy.
Siddaramaiah need not get anxious. Nothing has happened that he should feel so. Let him look at what his government did in 5 years. All the ministers in the present government are doing their job.
— Home Minister Araga Jnanendra reacting to Opposition leader Siddaramaiah’s remarks
Speaking about the ordinance against conversion, he sought to allay apprehensions of Christian and Muslim religious leaders saying that it is only against forced conversions through enticements. “We are taking this step only after we received several complaints. The ordinance is the same as the one passed by the Siddaramaiah government. He had even signed it. We are only implementing it”, he said, taking potshots at the Congress.
The minister said the Bill had been passed in the Assembly, but since no session is scheduled anytime soon, it is being brought in as an ordinance. It will be presented in the Legislative Council during the next session, he added.
Referring to the illegal slaughterhouse in Ramanagara, Jnanendra said the DIG has been directed to take action, including against policemen involved. About 1,000 cow hides were found there and the person who exposed this faced murder threat. He has been rescued by the police, the minister added.