Party patriarch Deve Gowda makes emotional appeal to 'save and nurture JD(S)'
Bengaluru, Oct 8: Former prime minister H D Deve Gowda on Saturday appealed to JD(S) workers and people of Karnataka to "save and nurture his party" which he termed as a regional party that has worked for all sections of the society.
The JD(S) supremo, who has been ailing with age-related issues and severe knee pain for some time now, made a public appearance at the party's 'Janata Mitra' rally here.
Many JD(S) leaders expressing happiness about the 89-year-old leader's onstage appearance and address to party workers said it has enthused them ahead of the state assembly polls next year.
"I know who is doing what for this party's survival... I pray with folded hands, save this party. This party has done no injustice to any one and has worked for all communities," Gowda said.
"I pray to everyone with folded hands, save and nurture this party. People of this state have the strength to save a regional party," he said, amid loud cheer from the crowd.
Highlighting that it was the JD(S) that stood for all sections of the society including minorities and nomadic tribes, the veteran leader said, "Many have worked to save this party, similarly many abandoned it too...whatever they may think about me, everyone should unite and cooperate to save this party."
Promising to visit every district in the days ahead, Gowda said, "Don't have any doubts about it."
"I'm yet to recover completely...but there is spirit in me. Don't think that I will be at one place. After some days, I will visit various centres across the state and speak to people," he added.
The JD(S) leadership has set a target of winning at least 123 out of the total 224 seats, which will go for polls by April-May next year, and to form an independent government on its own strength.
Addressing the gathering, Gowda's son and former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy, appealed to citizens to give JD(S) one chance to form an independent government in the state for a full five-year term.
"If you trust and give us an opportunity at least one time, we will work for the betterment of the state and its citizens with full potential, by providing jobs to youth, housing to the homeless... If I don't fulfill my promise, I will dissolve JD(S).This is my challenge to you, the people of the state and Bengaluru. Decision is yours," he added.
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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.
