Inquiry by J&K crime branch into NC worker's death an eye wash: BJP

BJP in Jammu and Kashmir Saturday demanded a CBI probe into the alleged custodial death of a NC worker, saying an inquiry by the state's crime branch into the incident would be just an "eye wash".

"We demand a CBI probe into cash-for-post scam and death of NC worker Yousuf Mohammad. The state government should hand over the case to CBI for an impartial probe," state BJP president Shamsher Singh Manhas told reporters here.

Death of Yousuf has exposed the real face of Omar-led government, he said adding that the incident has proved that government is not only patronising corruption but is itself steeped in corrupt practices.

"Yousuf was silenced fearing that his survival may result into exposure of the National Conference," Manhas said, adding that an "inquiry by state's crime branch will only be an eye wash."

The BJP leader accused the NC-Congress coalition of playing mischief with the people by ordering investigation by the Crime Branch.

"How can an impartial inquiry be expected when Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is heading the Home department himself, under whom the Crime Branch of Jammu and Kashmir police directly functions", Manhas asked.

He also accused the state government of being involved in a scam in which votes of BJP legislators were bought in Council elections in April this year.

"Seven BJP MLAs voted for the coalition candidate by cross-voting in LC polls on April 13. They did not vote for BJP candidate and defied the whip. Allegation of giving money for votes were leveled and BJP suspended 7 of them including BJP Legislature Party leader Chaman Lal Gupta," he said.