NCPRI writes to CM demanding thorough probe into RTI activist murder case

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, March 24, 2016: The National Campaign for People’s Right to Information (NCPRI) has strongly condemned the murder of RTI activist Vinayak Baliga early morning on March 21 and has demanded a thorough investigation into the case.

In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the NCPRI has expressed its grave concern over the murder and has even cited  media reports which said that the deceased Baliga had "filed several RTI applications exposing misappropriation of public funds and illegal constructions and had received threats."  The letter also cited media reports which mentioned that he had also gathered information about misappropriation of funds by a temple.

It has further urged the government to look into the various cases of wrongdoing and corruption unearthed by Baliga and take stringent action against the guilty.

The Government must also push for effective implementation of Whistleblowers’ Protection Act in the wake of increasing attacks on RTI activists in the country, NCPRI said adding that the effective implementation of the Act was crucial for the protection of people who expose corruption and wrongdoings.

The letter has been signed by Anjali Bhardwaj, Nikhil Dey and Venkatesh Nayak, Co-Convenors of the NCPRI. Copies of the letter have also been sent to L Krishnamurthy, State Chief Information Commissioner, Karnataka Information Commission and Om Prakash, Director General of Police, Karnataka.