BJP MLA K Gopalaiah alleges death threats from Bengaluru ex-Corporator, demands protection
Bengaluru: BJP MLA and former Minister K Gopalaiah on Wednesday told the Legislative Assembly that he and his family have received death threats from an ex-Corporator of the city's civic body and demanded protection.
Alleging that Padmaraj called him last night in an inebriated condition and used derogatory language against him and his family, he said, despite a complaint being filed immediately, police had still not arrested him.
Home Minister G Parameshwara, subsequently informed the Assembly that Padmaraj had been arrested some time ago, and legal action would follow.
''Last night around 11 pm, I received a phone call from Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike ex-Corporator Padmaraj, he demanded money. I cannot repeat the words he used insulting me in this House. He made derogatory comments against my family. He has even threatened to loot my house and has issued death threats to me and my family,'' Gopalaiah said.
Raising the issue during ''Zero Hour,'' he said he had information about Padmaraj, in an inebriated condition, issuing similar threats to several former Ministers and legislators like senior BJP MLA Suresh Kumar in the past.
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Stating that Padmaraj runs clubs in Basaveshwaranagar limits and is ''intoxicated'' with the money he gains from it, the MLA said, the former had taken help from him in the past in getting job or medical seats for people from his family or friends.
Demanding action against Padmaraj and that he should be exiled, he also sought protection to his family, fearing danger to them from him. He also urged shutting down all illegal clubs in Bengaluru, to put an end to such elements.
Noting that he has already given a police complaint in this regard, Gopalaiah said police have been waiting since last night in front of Padmaraj's house. ''After coming out from the inebriated condition he is said to come out of his house....police are waiting outside his house for about 10-11 hours now.'' Several BJP legislators including Leader of Opposition R Ashoka backed Gopalaiah and demanded justice for him.
''Gopalaiah's family is in politics, his wife was a Deputy Mayor in the past, if such a family has to go through all this, what's the situation of a common man? It has been several hours since the complaint was made, are the police waiting for him to come out of his inebriated condition to arrest him? It seems like royal treatment is being given to him,'' Ashoka said, demanding immediate strict action.
There should be no politics in this issue, he said, adding Padmaraj had been with all political parties in the past.
As Home Minister Parameshwara was initially not present in the House, Minister H C Mahadevappa, replying on behalf of the government, said action will be taken as per law.
Questioning the delay in the police taking action, Speaker U T Khader too directed the government to get Padmaraj arrested by the evening or suspend the police inspector there. ''The government has to give a strict message to such elements.'' Later, when Parameshwara came to the Assembly, he said a case has been registered in the Kamakshipalya police station, and police will arrest him by entering his house if required.
He subsequently on receiving an update from the officials, told the Assembly that Padmaraj has been arrested and legal action will follow.
Earlier, BJP MLA and state General secretary Sunil Kumar said, the situation has come to such a pass that even a legislator is forced to seek protection in the House. ''The Chair has to come to the protection, and the Speaker should direct the government,'' he said, questioning the delay in the arrest.
Another BJP MLA Suresh Kumar said, Ashoka and himself too have faced similar ''things'' from Padmaraj, and his activities are going on for a long time now. ''No where in Bengaluru clubs are functioning, but he is still running...The complaint was given last night against Padmaraj, who is in his house, but still why arrest has been made, he asked.
Former Home Minister and MLA Araga Jnanendra too, expressing similar sentiments, asked for a clarification on police inaction.
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Former diplomat, politicians come out in support of FS Misri after he faces online trolling
New Delhi (PTI): Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who faced trolling on social media in the wake of India and Pakistan reaching an understanding on May 10 to halt all military actions, received support from veteran diplomat Nirupama Menon Rao and politicians Asaduddin Owaisi and Akhilesh Yadav.
Samajwadi Party chief Yadav wrote a long post on X in Hindi and said, such statements break the morale of honest officers who work day and night dedicated to the country.
"It is the government's responsibility to make decisions - not individual officers. Some anti-social criminal elements are openly crossing all limits of abusive language against the officer and his family, but neither the BJP government nor any of its ministers are coming forward to protect his honour and respect or discussing possible action against those who make such unwanted posts," wrote Yadav.
India and Pakistan on Saturday reached an understanding to stop all firings and military actions on land, air and sea with immediate effect after four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes that brought the two countries teetering on the edge of a full-scale war.
Making the announcement on Saturday evening, Foreign Secretary Misri said the director generals of military operations of India and Pakistan agreed on the understanding during a call on Saturday afternoon, and the next talks are scheduled at 12 noon on May 12.
The announcement came shortly after US President Donald Trump in a surprise social media post claimed that the talks between the two sides were "mediated" by the US.
Former foreign secretary Nirupama Menon called the trolling of the senior diplomat "utterly shameful" and said it "crosses every line of decency"
"It's utterly shameful to troll Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and his family over the India-Pakistan ceasefire announcement. A dedicated diplomat, Misri has served India with professionalism and resolve, and there is no ground whatsoever for his vilification.
"Doxxing his daughter and abusing his loved ones crosses every line of decency. This toxic hate must stop—stand united behind our diplomats, not tear them down. #StopTrollingMisri #SupportDiplomats #VikramMisri #IndianDiplomacy #NoToDoxxing," she posted on X.
All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Owaisi also came out strongly in support of Misri on Sunday.
"Mr Vikram Misri is a decent, honest, hard-working diplomat working tirelessly for our nation. Our civil servants work under the executive this must be remembered & they shouldn't be blamed for the decisions taken by the executive or any political leadership running Watan E Aziz," he posted on X.
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