Udupi: BJP leader booked for sexual harassment of Dharmasthala self-help group worker
Udupi: A case has been registered against BJP leader and president of the management committee of Rattadi Shriratteshwara Temple, Naveen Chandra Shetty Rattadi, on charges of sexually harassing a woman representative of the Dharmasthala Self-Help Group. The complaint was lodged at Amasebailu Police Station.
According to the complaint, the 29-year-old woman, a service representative from Rattadi village, had called Shetty on September 2 regarding the invitation for a preparatory meeting of the upcoming Dharmasthala Dharma Rakshana Yatra scheduled for September 5. Shetty allegedly asked her to come to his residence around noon.
When the woman visited his house in Manimakki, Shetty was seated in a chair. After she handed over the invitation, Shetty allegedly touched her hand while receiving it, causing her discomfort. As she prepared to leave, Shetty is said to have forced her to sit beside him, pulled her close, and kissed her on the cheek. The complaint further states that when she tried to leave in shock, Shetty followed her and asked her to return.
CPM demands immediate arrest
The Udupi district committee of the CPM strongly condemned the incident, stating that a BJP leader associated with the Dharmasthala project had brought disgrace while pretending to be involved in the cause of religious protection.
The party alleged that Kundapura MLA Kiran Kumar Kodgi was attempting to shield Shetty and pressurize authorities to close the case, which they described as unacceptable. CPM district secretary Suresh Kallagar said that since the survivor herself has lodged the complaint, police must immediately trace and arrest the accused to ensure justice.
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India moving towards becoming global economic powerhouse: Kovind
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Amritsar (PTI): Former president Ram Nath Kovind on Friday said that with digital transformation, economic reforms and a strong focus on the ease of doing business, India is moving towards becoming a global economic powerhouse.
He was speaking after inaugurating the 19th edition of the Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX) in Amritsar.
The former president said that this 19th edition of PITEX is being organised at a time when India is recognised as one of the fastest-growing large economies in the world.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the event organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) the former president, while referring to Punjab, said the state is a living example of courage, sacrifice and enterprise.
"The spiritual light of Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) inspires peace and humanity across the world. The heritage of Punjab is deep and inspiring," Kovind said, according to a statement issued by the PITEX.
The former president congratulated the PHDCCI for hosting the 19th edition of PITEX and suggested that the chamber should expand PITEX outside Punjab.
He proposed that a similar event should also be held in New Delhi.
