Suttur (Nanjangud)- Refuting Opposition charges that the State Government’s decision to hand over cases pertaining to illegal export of iron ore to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) was politically motivated, Chief Minister Siddharamaiah said that the Government had reopened the cases as there was prima facie evidence.

Speaking to press persons upon his arrival at Suttur Helipad to take part in the valedictory of the ongoing annual Suttur Jathra Mahotsava this morning, Siddharamaiah expressed displeasure at the outcome of the CBI probe into the  alleged scam.

Strongly defending his Government’s decision, Siddharamaiah said that the SIT will dwell deep into the cases to unearth the illegalities in export of iron ore which was exposed by former Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde.

Maintaining that the decision was based on the recommendation of a Cabinet Sub-Committee, the CM alleged that the Centre was misusing the CBI to protect BJP leaders who were allegedly involved in the scam.

Lashing out at State BJP President B.S. Yeddyurappa, who had alleged that the Congress Government had reopened the cases at a time when Assembly polls were round the corner, the CM reminded Yeddyurappa that the BJP had severely criticized the CBI when the UPA Government was in power at the Centre.

Siddharamaiah paid tributes to senior actor Kashinath who passed away at a Bengaluru hospital this morning.