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Krishna rejects demand for CBI inquiry into church blasts

Karnataka Chief Minister S M Krishna declined on Sunday to give a clean chit to the Sangh Parivar and also ruled out an inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation into the recent bomb blasts in three churches in the state.

"We will not come to a rash judgement," he told reporters after attending the reparation and consecration ceremony at the St Peter and Paul Church in Bangalore, where a bomb exploded on July 9.

He was replying to a question on the Bharatiya Janata Party's demand for an apology from those who had held the Sangh Parivar responsible for the blasts in the state.

Answering questions, he said there was no reason to hand over the investigation to the CBI after the breakthrough achieved by the Corps of Detectives probing the blasts at Wadi, Hubli and Bangalore.

"I am supremely happy with the investigation of the police, especially the CoD" and their work had received praise from all over, the chief minister said.

On the link between Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence and the blasts, he said, "I don't jump to conclusions. I don't rule out any possibility and I also don't suspect anybody. The executive should not interfere in the investigation."

He declined to comment further on the possibility of Pakistani involvement in the incidents. "I don't want to speculate. I don't want to comment on sensitive issues till the CoD report is submitted."

Some important leads had been obtained and this would be pursued to track the culprits, Krishna said. "Since the matter is sensitive, the CoD director general of police will speak on the investigation."

Archbishop Ignatius Pinto presided over the special Mass and prayers. Among others present were All-India Christian Council members and Karnataka Minister of State for Civil Aviation T John.

UNI

EARLIER REPORTS:
2 more blasts accused arrested in Hubli
Islamic sect denies hand in church blasts
BJP demands public apology from Sangh critics

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