3-day rally from Sandur to Ballari for rehabilitation of mining workers
Bengaluru: The members of the All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU) and mining workers will hold a protest rally in October, demanding rehabilitation of the Ballari mining workers.
Speaking to the press on Friday, the office-bearers of the AICCTU and the Bellary Zilla Gani Karmikara Sangha said that they would undertake a three-day padayatra from Sandur to Ballari from October 11 to 13.
The members said that the government had not provided any support to the mining workers, although the condition of the workers has always been poor. The laws for the benefit of the workers have also been violated on a large scale in the mining industry in Ballari, they added.
“The rally is being organized demanding compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the mining workers who lost their jobs in 2011. Up to five acres of land with irrigation facility for the mining workers’ families, re- employment of the workers who lost their job in Class ‘A’ and ‘B’ mines where the work has resumed, monthly pension of Rs 5,000 for workers who have reached superannuation, sites and houses for the workers, opening of facilities like anganwadi, community halls, libraries, labour centers and PHCs, free medical services for the workers, free education and financial assistance for higher education for the workers’ children,” said the members of the organizations.
Maitreyi Krishnan and P P Appanna of the AICCTU; Yariswamy, general secretary, Bellary Zilla Gani Karmikara Sangha; Lokesh, member of the Sangha; and Nirmala M, member of the All India Progressive Women’s Association were present at the press meet.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
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.
