Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy today sought time to act against minister for backward classes welfare C Puttarangashetty, whose personal assistant was caught with unaccounted cash of Rs 25.76 lakh on January 4 at the state secretariat.
"Give me some time. I take decisions in accordance with the law. There is no question of patronising anyone. I never believe in cover-up politics in the case of wrongdoing," he said in response to a question from reporters on when he would take action against the minister.
The chief Minister declined to comment on Mr Puttarangashetty's move to seek a court injunction to bar the media from publishing reports relating to the seizure.
Police said S G Mohan Kumar was arrested on January 4 with Rs 25.76 lakh in cash, which was collected from four contractors.
The matter has been handed over to the anti-corruption bureau for investigation.
The BJP has demanded that the minister be sacked to ensure an impartial investigation.
"How can a fair investigation be carried out as long as Puttarangashetty is in the cabinet? He should be removed first," BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa had demanded three days ago.
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