New Delhi:
A day after reports surfaced that Congress leader Digvijaya Singh claimed that Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) chief Hemant Karkare chief, who was killed on 26/11, had told him about threats to his life from anonymous callers because he had held Hindu right-wing activists like Pragya Singh Thakur for the Malegaon blast, the senior Congress leader has clarified his remarks.
(Watch: What Digvijaya had told NDTV)"I have never said that Hindu terrorists were involved in killing Hemant Karkare. As of now, evidence suggests that he was killed by Pakistani terrorists," Digivijaya said.
He, however, said that "the fact remains Hindu groups were harassing Karkare".
The Congress too seem to be distancing itself from Digvijaya's remarks.
"Digvijaya Singh is a senior party leader but he has not spoken on behalf of the party. Being from the Madhya Pradesh, Digvijaya knew Karkare. His conversation with Mr Karkare was in his private capacity and the conversation was a private one," Congress leader Janardan Dwivedi said. (
Watch)
Hemant Karkare's wife, Kavita Karkare, had reacted very strongly to Digvijaya's statement. The slain top cop's wife said the death of Hemant Karkare should not be connected to the threats he received from Hindu organisations.
She had also said that the statement will mislead people and will benefit Pakistan.
"I want the world to know that Pakistan is behind the attack and not anyone else," she said.
Kavita also added that Digvijaya is saying this with some political motivation and it is for the vote bank politics.
Digvijaya had also said that Karkare had told him that some BJP leaders like Rajnath Singh were questioning his integrity and commitment.
"People were commenting on Hemant Karkare's integrity and commitment. BJP leaders including Rajnath Singh and other big names raised questions on his honesty, integrity and commitment. He was depressed due to this. He had told me this when I had called him at that point. He also said that he was receiving threatening phone calls but did not know who were making those calls," said Digvijaya.
The BJP had also strongly condemned this statement from Digvijaya. BJP Spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad had said, "Digvijaya Singh has hinted that Hemant Karkare was under threat from Hindu elements and RSS. We condemn this statement. There are better ways to remain in headlines."