Will the Cabinet Examine Virat Kohli's Involvement in the Stampede Incident?

Bengaluru, July 24 (NationPress) – Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara announced on Thursday that the state cabinet is set to evaluate the involvement of cricketer Virat Kohli concerning the tragic stampede that occurred on June 4, resulting in the loss of 11 lives, should his name arise in the judicial commission's report.

During a press briefing in Bengaluru, Parameshwara stated, “The cabinet will deliberate on the stampede report submitted by retired Justice John Michael D’Cunha. While the agenda includes this matter, the outcomes of the discussion remain uncertain.”

When questioned about the potential for criminal charges related to the incident, he replied, “The cabinet will discuss the report's recommendations before arriving at a decision.”

On the subject of whether Kohli's involvement is mentioned in the report, Parameshwara indicated, “If his name is in the document, the cabinet will address it. Otherwise, it will not be on the agenda.”

He clarified that the judicial commission's terms focused specifically on the stampede itself rather than any individual, asserting, “The government did not instruct the commission to target any particular person. Their task was to investigate the events and provide recommendations accordingly.”

In response to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's allegations of electoral irregularities, Parameshwara remarked, “Gandhi has raised concerns about electoral misconduct, which the Election Commission consistently denies. His claims about irregularities in Karnataka should be taken seriously by the Commission.”

Discussing the necessity for a caste census in Karnataka, Parameshwara emphasized, “Our census is conducted uniquely for our state. The Centre's announcement does not conflict with our objectives. Their census focuses on population metrics, while ours will also encompass educational assessments.”

Addressing reports about an officer wishing to step down from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) examining alleged mass graves at a Hindu pilgrimage site, he noted, “I have not received any official communication; I only read about it in the media. I informally heard that the officer requested to be removed from the SIT due to personal reasons. Replacement is possible if required.”

Regarding the recent murder of a father and son, both affiliated with the BJP in Bengaluru, in Andhra Pradesh, Parameshwara confirmed, “The Andhra Police are currently investigating. Since the victims hail from Karnataka, we will fully cooperate to ensure that the suspects are apprehended.”