I will not interfere with investigation against my followers, says Minister

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“I will not interfere in any investigation against my followers,” Minister for Public Works Satish Jarkiholi said in Belagavi on Tuesday.

He was responding to allegations that Riyaz Chougala, his follower and Congress leader, had encroached on land that belonged to a poor farmer and threatened him with dire consequences.

“I have never supported any wrongdoing by any of my followers. I will not do it now, nor in future. Let the police investigate the issue. If the accused are involved in any offence, let them face legal consequences. I will not interfere in such issues. I have never spoken to any officer of the police or other departments in favour of any of my followers who have done something wrong,’’ he said. “I have made it clear in the past through a video message. I will do so again, if needed,” he added.

He denied, as baseless, allegations that some of his followers were carrying out illegal activities, saying that they were doing so on the directions of the Minister. “If such allegations are politically motivated and aimed at targeting me without reason, I will not back down. Such things are common in politics. I am ready to face them even if a thousand such allegations are made,’’ he said.

He said that he would speak to the Chief Minister about the transfer of Borase Bhushan Gulabrao, who had completed just around 14 months in Belagavi. There are demands from some quarters that the commissioner be allowed to complete two years, or at least be given time till the winter session is held. However, transfers of government officers are routine administrative actions. I do not have detailed information about the issue, he said.

Two days ago, the State government transferred Mr. Borase and posted Prakash Nikam in his place.

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