K’taka journalist’s body transported in garbage truck, CM orders inquiry

Facing a media uproar after a journalist's body was transported in a garbage truck, chief minister Siddaramaiah on Monday ordered an inquiry into the incident by the Inspector General of Police for the Western Range.

Mounesh Potharaj, a journalist working for a Kannada news channel, died on the spot in a road accident near Hangal town around 8 am on Sunday. He was travelling from Sirsi to Haveri when his motorcycle hit a tree.

However, when Mounesh's body was to be shifted to the government hospital in Hanagal, the police on the spot decided to all for a garbage tractor rather than an ambulance.

K Parashuram, Superintendent of Police for Haveri district, said it was in cases of death ambulances were not used. “Generally, a local vehicle is used. Unfortunately, because of the Makar Sankranti festival those vehicles were not available and the local administration provided us this vehicle,” he said.

Parashuram said he would initiate action against the local authorities and the police after consulting his superior officers.

On Monday, Siddaramaiah, too, expressed shock over the incident and ordered an enquiry. “I am pained to read this. I have asked ADGP & Commissioner of Traffic & Road Safety to get a report into this incidence from the IGP of the Northern range & take action,” the CM tweeted.

BENGALURU: Because of Sankranti festival, vehicles used for such purposes were not available and the local administration provided us with this vehicle.

K PARASHURAM, Haveri SP