BJP urges EC to direct lodging of FIR against Rahul Gandhi, Kharge for MCC violation in Maharashtra
New Delhi, Nov 11: The BJP on Monday urged the Election Commission to direct lodging of an FIR against Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and party leader Rahul Gandhi for conducting “malicious and slanderous” poll campaigns against it in Maharashtra in "violation" of the model code of conduct and other laws.
In its memorandum to the poll panel, the BJP alleged that Gandhi sought to spread falsehood and create disaffection among the people with his remarks during a poll campaign in Mumbai on November 6 that various projects including the iPhone factory and Boeing unit were taken to Gujarat from Maharashtra.
In his speech, the Congress leader also made unsubstantiated accusations that the RSS and the BJP want to finish the Constitution and that the RSS membership, and not merit, is the qualification for appointment as vice-chancellors, the party charged.
“We told the chief election commissioner’s office that Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi tried to spread falsehood and make states fight with each other. He lied that the BJP was going to finish the Constitution. It’s false propaganda and it should be stopped,” Union minister and senior BJP leader Arjun Ram Meghwal told reporters after the party’s delegation submitted its memorandum to the Election Commission.
“We also told the Election Commission that Rahul Gandhi is repeatedly trying to pit people of one state against another on issues of language and investments despite the EC showcause notices issued earlier, and said that an FIR should be lodged against him in the matter,” he added.
In its memorandum, the BJP alleged that Gandhi violated the model code of conduct and other laws by falsely accusing Gujarat of “stealing and snatching” opportunities from Maharashtra.
The Congress leader with his statements incited the youths of Maharashtra “which is immensely dangerous” for the unity and integrity of the country, it alleged.
“In fact, Maharashtra has topped in the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) across India by receiving a total of Rs 70,795 crore from April to June 2024-25,” the BJP memorandum added.
The ruling party urged the poll panel to take cognisance of the “continued unsubstantiated malicious and slanderous campaigns” being conducted by the Congress and Gandhi.
“We request the Commission to reprimand, censure and restrain Rahul Gandhi from handing out lies during election campaigns for the remaining period of electioneering, and direct registration of FIR against Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi” under application sections of the Representation of Peoples Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita,” it added.
Besides Meghwal, the BJP delegation comprised party national general secretary Arun Singh, senior leader Sanjay Mayukh and national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla.
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Karnataka: SP’s gunman among two arrested for extorting money from rice smuggler
Ballari (Karnataka) (PTI): An armed police constable serving as the district superintendent of police’s personal gunman, along with his accomplice, was arrested for allegedly extorting money from a rice smuggler, police said on Friday.
Devaraj, who had been serving as the SP’s gunman for the past four and a half years, was identified as the mastermind behind the incident.
Following an investigation, Devaraj and his accomplice Sairam were arrested on May 6, while efforts are underway to nab a third accused, Gadilinga, a practising advocate in Ballari, who is absconding, police said.
The matter came to light after a complaint was filed by Sharabappa, a habitual offender allegedly involved in illegal rice transport, they added.
According to police, the incident occurred on the intervening night of April 27 and 28, when a group of masked men intercepted Sharabappa’s rice-laden vehicles near the Moka forest area.
The accused allegedly introduced themselves as members of an “SP squad”, threatened to seize the vehicles and file criminal cases, and demanded money to avoid legal action.
Police said the accused initially demanded Rs 5 lakh and later extorted around Rs 3 lakh from the complainant.
Investigation revealed that Devaraj was the main person involved in demanding and collecting the money, while Sairam and Gadilinga were also involved in the offence. Sairam was allegedly involved in similar activities earlier as well.
Devaraj and Sairam were arrested under Sections 308(2) (extortion) and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Police also seized the extorted cash, the four-wheeler, and mobile phones allegedly used in the crime. Efforts are underway to trace Gadilinga.
Addressing a press conference, Ballari Superintendent of Police Suman D Pennekar described the incident as a serious offence that has tarnished the image of the police department.
"There is no official ‘SP squad’ or ‘DSP squad’ operating in the district. Such labels are often misused by impostors or corrupt individuals to commit extortion," the SP clarified.
She said no involvement of other police officers has been found so far.
Departmental proceedings have been initiated against Devaraj, and suspension proceedings are underway. The SP added that strict action will be taken against anyone involved in such offences.
Police said Sharabappa, the complainant, is a known habitual offender involved in illegal rice smuggling, and several cases have already been registered against him in the Moka and Peddihalli areas. A separate case has also been registered against him in connection with rice smuggling on the night of the incident.
Authorities are also exploring the possibility of initiating externment proceedings against him under applicable legal provisions.
The SP urged the public to report any extortion attempts by persons claiming to be part of an “SP squad”, assuring that the identity of informants will be kept confidential.
