Karnataka govt committed towards dignified life for SCs and STs: CM Bommai
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Sunday said his government is committed to provide a dignified life to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities.
Speaking to reporters after offering rich tributes to sage Valmiki on the occasion of 'Valmiki Jayanti', Bommai said the state government has been celebrating the occasion since the then chief minister B S Yediyurappa took a decision in this regard.
"The state government is committed to provide opportunity for the oppressed classes like the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to live with dignity, equality, self-reliance and self-respect," Bommai said.
The Valmiki Jayanti celebration is being celebrated in the most meaningful manner, he said adding that the government is formulating a programme on the basis of preaching of Maharshi Valmiki to be inculcated by everyone in society.
Bommai said: "Ramayana written by Maharshi Valmiki has been considered one of the best 10 great works in the world. By creating it, the saint has given the essence of life and shown the way to lead a pious life. Every sequence in Ramayana is worth following."
The Chief Minister said he would adopt the preaching and ideology of Valmiki in his administration.
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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.
