Rajya Sabha MP B Janardhan Poojary has demanded a CBI probe into the communal violence that rocked Mangalore for a couple of days.

Speaking to media persons after visiting the violence-affected areas on Saturday, he said there was a need for a CBI probe to reveal the truth.

On the contrary, he said there was no need for a judicial probe as the panel (in the case of judicial probe) does not have the right for prosecution.

Slap fine

On the BJP’s charges that Congress was behind the communal riot, Mr Poojary said: “Everybody knows who is behind the violence. Why do you want to put it in my words?”

Mr Poojary demanded that the authorities concerned should take action and slap fine on those organisations which had called for Mangalore bundh. “I will raise the issue in the Parliament,” he said.

Contempt of court

Criticising the State government for handling the Shoba Yatra issue in an “irresponsible way,” Mr Poojary said that the Shoba Yatra was nothing but contempt of court, as the High Court had directed the State government not to allow the Shoba Yatra in Bababudangiri.

Mr Poojary also flayed the Chief Minister’s overnight stay in villages. “Don’t your family members allow you to sleep at home?” he questioned the chief minister and told him: “If you think, villages can be developed by your visit, its only a myth.”

‘Resignation drama’

Terming the district In-Charge Minister B Nagaraj Shetty’s resignation as a drama to gain public sympathy, Mr Poojary said: “It’s his (Mr Shetty) habit. He has done the same when he was in Campco.”

Mayor Ashraf, Deputy Mayor Indira, Congress leaders Kallige Tharanath Shetty, Purandardas Kuloor and Shashidhar Hegde were present.