BJP brass in poll-bound Karnataka to meet tomorrow
Bengaluru(PTI): The executive committee meeting of the BJP's Karnataka unit will take place here on Friday with deliberations expected to revolve around the party's strategy for the forthcoming state Assembly elections.
BJP national general secretary and party in-charge for Karnataka Arun Singh, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members from the state, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, former chief minister B S Yediyurapa and state BJP president Nalin Kumar Kateel are slated to take part.
BJP National General Secretary C T Ravi on Thursday said a total of 592 people who are the state executive committee members comprising sitting MPs, MLAs, state office-bearers, presidents of various wings of the BJP, secretaries, organisers of various cells, district BJP presidents and general secretaries will attend the meeting.
There will be day-long discussions about various schemes and projects of the state and central governments, and interactions with question and answer sessions on the Palace Grounds here, he said.
"We will prepare an agenda and the roadmap in the executive committee meeting highlighting the role of Karnataka in the light of 'Azadi ka' Amrit Mahotsav and keeping in view the 'Amrit Kaal' for the next 25 years," Ravi said.
There will be an exhibition near the meeting venue, Ravi said, adding that the Bengaluru BJP team has themed it around Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.
In addition, the achievements of the state government and Centre will also be displayed at the exhibition that would feature a pictorial story showcasing the rise of the party over the years.
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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.
