In contrast to his earlier statement which played up “family discord” and “depression” in connection with the alleged suicide of Deputy Superintendent of Police M.K. Ganapathy, Home Minister G. Parameshwara on Monday clarified that he said that on the basis of a statement made by the deceased official’s father M.K. Kushalappa.
“Mr. Kushalappa’s oral statement has been videographed. However, we have learnt that Mr. Kushalappa has denied having made the statement. If my statement in the Legislative Assembly has hurt the family, I express regret,” said the home minister, tabling a written reply on the official’s death amidst dharna by Opposition members in the Legislative Council on Monday.
He also said that Ganapathy’s television interview alleging professional harassment and naming former Home Minister K.J. George and two police officials A.M. Prasad and Pranab Mohanty could not be considered as a “dying declaration” under provisions of the Indian Evidence Act.
