Congress infighting over power-sharing paralysing governance in Karnataka: MP Basavaraj Bommai
Haveri: BJP MP and former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has accused the ruling Congress government in Karnataka of failing to function effectively due to its internal tussle over power-sharing, saying that the party high command’s indecision has left the state’s administration paralysed and the people in distress.
Speaking to reporters in Haveri on Saturday, Bommai said the Congress government has been embroiled in internal conflict since the day it came to power. “On one side, the Chief Minister’s camp says Siddaramaiah will continue for five years, while on the other, Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar’s supporters are claiming that he will take over as Chief Minister soon,” he said.
Bommai alleged that even the Congress high command is divided into two groups, which has led to the ongoing uncertainty. “One group supports Siddaramaiah, and the other backs D.K. Shivakumar. The high command is unable to put a full stop to this power struggle,” he remarked.
Referring to the ED investigation against Congress MLA K.C. Veerendra Pappi over alleged money transfers related to the Bihar elections, Bommai said, “The Enforcement Directorate is investigating where Veerendra got the money from and how much more is involved. The truth will come out after the probe.”
He also criticised the Congress government, claiming that financial mismanagement has forced it to introduce schemes like the Indira Kit, saying, “The Siddaramaiah government has run out of money, and these schemes are merely attempts to divert public attention.”
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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.
