CPI for CBI probe in Loitam Richard's case
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 13 2012: Accusing Karnataka Government of trying to dilute the Loitam Richard death case besides labelling the BJP Government as callous and lacking commitment to unravel the incident, Communist Party of India has demanded that the case be handed over to an independent investigation agency such as the CBI.

Addressing mediapersons in connection with the controversial death of the architecture student recently at Bangalore, CPI national general secretary Sudhakar Reddy and party's central leader AB Bardhan were unanimous that instead of trying to keep the case under wraps it would be judicious if CBI takes charge for delivering justice to the aggrieved family and exemplary punishment for the guilty.

Confiding that both had called on the parents of Richard Loitam, the CPI leaders opined that images (photos) of injuries suffered by Richard clearly suggest that he died due to physical assault.

Pointing out that CPI had been extending all possible cooperation and assistance in finding the truth about the youngster's demise, Sudhakar and Bardhan also pledged the party's unstinted support on the issue.

Richard Loitam

Sudhakar said he will leave for Bangalore on June 15 to personally assess the situation and along with CPI leaders and members in Karnataka State would urge the Sadananda Gowda Government to rope in CBI sleuths for ensuring impartial investigation.

Observing that the recent decision of the Karnataka Government to hand over to case to corps of Detective (CID) would not be effective as the investigation unit is within the ambit of Karnataka Government, he reiterated CPI's stand and commitment that the case be handed over to the CBI.

On the issue of territorial integrity of Manipur, both Sudhakar and Bardhan reaffirmed CPI's stand that there should be no distortion of Manipur's boundary.

They further asserted that CPI will fight against all the elements that threaten Manipur's emotional and territorial integrity.

Noting Irom Chanu sharmila's campaign for repealing the controversial AFSPA 1958, the CPI leaders pledged party's commitment and support to movement for scrapping the repressive Act.

They also informed that CPI will launch various agitations for the entire july month against hike in prices of essential commodities.

As a part of the phase-wise movement against price hike and food insecurity from the village to the national level, CPI will stage sit-in-protest for five days in front of the Parliament.

Castigating the Congress-led government in the Centre for the country's masses facing food insecurity, they also questioned why the Central Government cannot ensure food security when the Governments of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh could respectively provide rice of 20 kg each and at Rs 1 per kg to their economically deprived citizens.

Rather than ensuring food security to the poor citizens the present Government of India has been extending subsidy to corporate bodies, alleged the CPI duo.

CPI State secretary Dr M Nara and secretariat member N Mangi were also present at the media briefing.