Name mentioned in a case does not prove guilt, says Priyank Kharge on Prakash Raj row
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Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Friday said that merely mentioning a person's name in a case does not establish guilt.
He was responding to the controversy surrounding actor Prakash Raj in connection with the Dharmasthala case.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Kharge said the matter is currently before the Karnataka High Court and the Special Investigation Team (SIT), and cautioned against conducting a media trial.
“Just because a person’s name is mentioned does not mean they are guilty. The court has sought a response from the SIT chief, and they will present the facts. This is not something that can be debated or decided through media discussions,” he said.
Prakash Raj's name was mentioned in a writ petition filed by Chinnayya before the Karnataka High Court in connection with the Dharmasthala Mass Burial Case. The actor has issued a clarification, saying he would personally respond to the allegations and urging people not to believe rumours until then.
Kharge also addressed allegations that the Dharmasthala Rural Development Project (DRDP) had violated provisions of the Micro Finance Act. He said the legislation applies to all institutions across Karnataka and not to any specific organisation.
“The Act was introduced for the entire state. I am not aware of specific violations at this stage. We will review the matter within the next week or ten days. The law applies equally to everyone, and any complaints must be properly investigated,” he said.
Commenting on the Vennela child murder case in Bengaluru, Kharge acknowledged lapses in the initial investigation. He said the post-mortem report received on April 4 should have led to a murder investigation, but the case was instead treated as an unnatural death.
An inspector, a sub-inspector, and a station writer have since been suspended in connection with the case. Kharge said the accused had been arrested and that further details would emerge as the investigation progresses.
On the Bitcoin scam case, the minister said the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Enforcement Directorate and that any future action by the state government would be decided by the Chief Minister.