Karnataka HC directs state government to verify role of Y.Y. Bagali in Veerappan operation
Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court has directed the state government to verify whether retired Assistant Administrative Officer of Mysuru Police, Y.Y. Bagali, was involved in the operation against forest outlaw Veerappan and to provide a detailed report.
The directive was issued during the hearing of a contempt petition filed by retired Commandant Ramadas Gowda and retired Assistant Administrative Officer Y.Y. Bagali. The petitioners alleged that the government and the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) failed to allot them plots in Kempegowda Layout at a subsidised rate of ₹2,100 per square metre, as directed by a previous High Court order.
The division bench of Justice K. Somashekar and Justice Venkatesh Naik noted that the state counsel informed the court that Bagali was not involved in the Veerappan operation. However, Bagali's counsel disputed this claim, asserting that he had actively participated in the operation. Taking note of the submissions, the court directed the state government to verify and report whether Bagali was indeed part of the Veerappan operation. The bench warned that if it is established that Bagali was not involved, he would face consequences, including the possible cancellation of his plot allotment. The court also instructed the government to take appropriate action in such a case. The matter was adjourned to February 12, 2025.
In 2017, BDA allotted a 60x40 sq ft plot to Ramadas Gowda and a 30x40 sq ft plot to Y.Y. Bagali in Kempegowda Layout. However, in 2018, the petitioners approached the High Court, arguing that, under a 2010 government order, police officers who participated in the Veerappan operation were entitled to plots at ₹2,100 per square metre. The petitioners contended that the prices set for their plots—₹24,219 and ₹21,258 per square metre, respectively—were unjustified.
In 2021, a single-judge bench of the High Court ruled in favour of the petitioners, directing the government and BDA to allot plots at the subsidised rate. Claiming non-compliance with this order, the petitioners filed a contempt plea, seeking action against the BDA Commissioner and the Chief Secretary of Karnataka.
During the hearing, the court criticised the government, questioning the allocation of plots in Kempegowda Layout instead of Veerappan's native village, Gopinatham. The bench observed that granting plots in Gopinatham would have been more appropriate and expressed dissatisfaction with the situation.
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Punjab Police cops withdrawn from Kejriwal's security
Chandigarh, Jan 23 (PTI): Punjab Police personnel deployed in the security of Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal have been withdrawn, the state police chief said on Thursday.
"Time to time, we get reports of threats to chief minister Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal and we share them with the concerned agencies.
"Following the directions of the Delhi police and the Election Commission today, we withdrew the component of the Punjab police in the security of Kejriwal ji," Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav told reporters in Patiala.
"We showed our concerns to them. We will remain in touch with them. We will share our inputs with the Delhi police," he said.
The development comes ahead of the elections for the 70-member Delhi Assembly on February 5. The poll results are set to be declared on February 8.
