Video of cop removing uniform after argument with BJP leader's husband: Cong slams MP govt
Singrauli (PTI): The Congress on Monday slammed the Madhya Pradesh government after a video of an irate policeman disrobing in Singrauli went viral on social media.
However, police authorities said the video was of February and action had already been taken against assistant sub inspector Vinod Mishra who is seen in indulging in the act after a heated exchange with the husband of a BJP corporator.
The Congress uploaded the clip during the day and said, "The level of policing in the state has become zero. Crimes are uncontrolled, criminals are fearless and the police are helpless at some places and under pressure at other places."
"This viral video is said to be from Waidhan police station of Singrauli, where a policeman got so upset due to the pressure of the BJP councillor that he tore his uniform," the party said, adding the condition of the home department had deteriorated under Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.
Meanwhile, Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Shiv Kumar Verma said a probe into the video of February was instituted by then SP Yousuf Qureshi.
After receiving the probe report, present SP Nivedita Gupta had ordered stoppage of Mishra's annual increment, he added.
Arjun Gupta, husband of BJP corporator Gauri Gupta, said allegations that he had torn Mishra's clothes had now been proved as untrue.
The argument was over construction of a drain and Gupta claimed he had only told Mishra he would tear off his uniform if he continued to get agitated.
Mishra on Monday said Gupta threatened to tear off his clothes and get him thrown out of service in the presence of police station in-charge Sudhesh Tiwari, adding he removed his uniform after feeling insulted.
"I should not have reacted like this," Mishra added.
Madhya Pradesh shocker !!
— Priyamwada (@PriaINC) September 16, 2024
Police officer removes his uniform amidst threats by BJP minister to remove his uniform.
The law protectors themselves are unsafe in Madhya Pradesh how safe will the citizens be?pic.twitter.com/MIWb1z7bGk
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CM Siddaramaiah alleges ‘criminal conspiracy’ in Sringeri recount, vows legal action
Bengaluru (PTI): Alleging a “criminal conspiracy” by BJP candidate D N Jeevaraj in the Sringeri Assembly poll recounting, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said the outcome was manipulated after valid postal ballot votes in favour of Congress leader T D Raje Gowda were tampered with during the recounting process.
Following a Karnataka High Court order on an election petition filed by Jeevaraj, challenging Raje Gowda’s election, the reverification and recounting were conducted on Saturday.
After the reverification and recount of postal ballots for the Sringeri Assembly constituency, votes polled in favour of Raje Gowda were reduced by 255, the returning officer said.
A report on the matter has been submitted to the Election Commission of India for further action, the officer added.
Congress leader Raje Gowda had won the 2023 Assembly polls from Sringeri by 201 votes, defeating his nearest rival Jeevaraj.
Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah said the High Court had directed the recounting of postal ballots and that irregularities were noticed during the exercise conducted on May 2.
“This is a clear case of criminal conspiracy,” Siddaramaiah said, alleging that valid votes cast in favour of Raje Gowda were altered after being accepted by counting agents of all parties, including Congress, BJP, and JD(S).
He claimed that during the recounting of postal ballots, 255 votes were initially accepted as valid by all agents but were later tampered with by subordinate officials.
“There is a second mark on the votes polled in favour of Raje Gowda. They had accepted these as valid votes. Subsequently, another mark was made by officials. This is a clear case of criminal conspiracy,” he said.
When asked who was behind the alleged conspiracy, the CM replied, “It was hatched by Jeevaraj and others. It is planned.”
Siddaramaiah further alleged that the returning officer acted improperly by declaring the result despite the presence of an Election Commission observer during the recounting.
“Immediately after the counting, the returning officer announced the result. He should not have done so; this is against the law,” he said.
He pointed out that Raje Gowda had originally won by 201 votes, but after the recounting, the BJP candidate was declared the winner by 52 votes.
“The BJP has committed a criminal act of conspiracy. This is not vote chori but vote dacoity,” he alleged.
The CM said a police complaint had already been filed by Raje Gowda’s election agent, Sudhir Kumar, and emphasised the need for electoral integrity.
“We want transparency and free and fair elections. That is what our Constitution mandates,” he added.
Stating that the government would pursue legal remedies, Siddaramaiah said, “We are preparing an appeal challenging the returning officer’s announcement in a court of law.”
Responding to a separate query on elections in other states, the CM said there appeared to be an anti-incumbency factor in West Bengal, while results in Tamil Nadu were “surprising,” adding that Vijay’s party was emerging as the largest there.
Following the victory of party candidates in Bagalkote and Davanagere South, Siddaramaiah expressed confidence about future electoral prospects in Karnataka.
“Even in 2028, we will win the Assembly elections. We will come back,” the CM said.
Siddaramaiah added that he would order a forensic examination into the alleged tampering of postal ballots.
