BENGALURU: Medical Education Minister Dr Sharan Prakash Patil on Monday dismissed the Opposition’s demand for his resignation after his officer on special duty (OSD) was arrested by the CID in the second PU chemistry paper leak case. “There is no question of resigning. I will cooperate with the CID,” Patil told Express.
His OSD Obalaraju was arrested by the CID on Monday. “Why should I resign? What is my role in this and why should anyone demand my resignation?” he asked.
Reacting to the CID officials stating that they will question the minister, Patil said, “I am open to questioning and I will cooperate with the inquiry. I am not a person who supports culprits or influences an inquiry in any way. There are many people working at my office. If somebody did something wrong, why should I take responsibility? It is their personal life.”
Patil said when he took charge as the Medical Education Minister three years ago, Obalaraju had joined his office as a personal assistant. “I did not have any idea about this person. I did not recruit him directly. He was working with the then PWD minister C M Udasi, who had recommended him and sent him to me,” Patil said.
Patil added that Obalaraju was only dealing with Legislative House-related activities and was not assigned any important work. “He did not join as OSD. I recently promoted him,” Patil said.
Patil added that he came to know about Obalaraju’s arrest through media reports.