IAS officer DK Ravi’s death probe: It’s CBI, but Siddaramaiah not smiling

Bengaluru: Clearly pushed into handing over the D.K. Ravi case to the CBI to avoid the growing impression of a high level cover-up while being accused of tarnishing the promising young officer's character, a less than enthusiastic Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday finally gave in after seven days of stonewalling, and announced that his government would call the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe his mysterious death.

With the opposition JD(S) and particularly, the BJP - likely to play up the Ravi issue during its upcoming national conclave on April 2-4 in the city - salivating at the chance to embarrass the Congress, and Ravi's kin winning hearts and minds not just in the Congress hunting ground of Old Mysuru but across the state with their heartfelt plea for an independent probe, the Chief Minister was finally nudged into action. The tipping point it was said, was a call from Congress chairperson Sonia Gandhi, alerted to the way the wind was blowing in this Congress bastion.

Lacking his usual nonchalance, a remarkably subdued chief minister, soon after a meeting of the council of ministers, informed the house that he was deferring to the wishes of the officer’s parents and the people of Karnataka.

But he also said: “There was no compelling reason for me to hand over the investigation to CBI. I have full faith in my officers, and I did not want to demoralise them by handing over the case to CBI.” He added: “My intention was neither to bury the truth, nor protect anyone. When Mr Ravi's parents met me, I told them that I will take a decision after I get the preliminary report.. I respect the sentiments of the people and his parents.”