New Delhi: The controversy triggered by the statement of Union Minister A R Antulay on the killing of Maharashtra ATS chief Hemant Karkare had its echo in the Rajya Sabha today with a BJP member objecting to the "irresponsible" remarks.

Raising the issue soon after the Question Hour, senior BJP member S S Ahluwalia said that the Minister's statement to the media was a cause of concern.

"How can the House sit idle," he asked demanding that the matter should be taken up immediately.

Ahluwalia said the senior minister had made an "irresponsible" statement.

Deputy Chairman K Rahman Khan told the member that he could raise the matter tomorrow.

The BJP MP was supported by members from JD(U), AIADMK and some other opposition parties.

Antulay had yesterday raised doubts over the killing of Karkare by Pakistani terrorists, suggesting a link with the Malegaon blasts that were being investigated by him.

Ahluwalia also took strong objection to the absence of Home Minister P Chidambaram in the House when a Bill related to the ministry was moved by his junior minister Shakeel Ahmed, saying it amounted to insult of the Upper House.

The issue was settled when Chidambaram came to the House soon afterwards.
Source : PTI