Controversy erupts as former BJP MP Pratap Simha's post supports cow vigilante Puneeth Kerehalli
Mysuru: Former BJP MP from Mysuru-Kodagu, Pratap Simha, is facing severe criticism on social media for his controversial post on his personal 'X' account (formerly Twitter) in support of self-declared cow vigilante Puneeth Kerehalli. Kerehalli was recently arrested for spreading false news that dog meat was being transported to Sangolli Rayanna Railway Station in Bengaluru.
In his post on Tuesday, July 30, Simha claimed that Kerehalli was forced by the police to strip and was insulted while in custody. He announced his intention to visit the prison on Wednesday and ordered ACP Chandan to be present during his visit.
Social media users quickly responded, questioning the propriety of Simha’s threat to a police officer. Many users asserted that the people of Karnataka would not be intimidated by such threats and emphasized the duty of Kannadigas to protect diligent officers.
The controversy stems from an incident on Friday at Bengaluru's prime railway station, also known as 'Majestic', where Kerehalli and his supporters caused a commotion. They claimed that 150 cartons carrying three tonnes of meat from Jaipur contained dog meat. However, on Saturday, the Karnataka Food Safety and Standards department refuted Kerehalli's allegations, confirming that the meat samples had been tested and found to be that of sheep.
The incident has sparked significant debate about the actions of cow vigilantes and the role of public figures in supporting or condemning such actions.
ಕರ್ತವ್ಯ ನಿರತ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿಗೆ ಬೆದರಿಕೆ ಹಾಕುತ್ತಿರುವುದು ಸರಿಯೇ @mepratap
— Bhavya Narasimhamurthy (@Bhavyanmurthy) July 31, 2024
ನಿಮ್ಮ ಬೆದರಿಕೆಗೆಲ್ಲ ಜಗ್ಗುವವರಲ್ಲ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಪೊಲೀಸ್ . ಪ್ರಾಮಾಣಿಕ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿಗಳನ್ನು ರಕ್ಷಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳುವುದು ನಮ್ಮೆಲ್ಲ ಕನ್ನಡಿಗರ ಧರ್ಮ. ನಾವೆಲ್ಲಾ ಅವರೊಂದಿಗಿದ್ದೇವೆ. @DrParameshwara ಸರ್ ಮಾಜಿ ಸಂಸದರಾಗಿ ಬೆದರಿಕೆ ಹಾಕುತ್ತಿರುವ ಇವರಿಗೆ ಬುದ್ದಿಕಲಿಸಿ pic.twitter.com/a2oQEVdhNM
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UP: BJP MLA falls on rail track while flagging off Vande Bharat train
Etawah (UP), Sep 16: BJP's Etawah MLA Sarita Bhadauriya fell onto the railway tracks while vying to wave the green flag for the Agra-Varanasi Vande Bharat Express here on Monday.
Purported videos of the incident surfaced on social media.
The incident occurred amidst a crowded platform as the train arrived around 6 pm. The 61-year-old second-term BJP lawmaker was among a host of people holding the green flag as they stood at the platform, the video showed.
Following the virtual inauguration of the Vande Bharat train by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the train, numbered 20175, was flagged off by the Rail Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu from Agra.
When contacted by PTI, BJP's Etawah unit treasurer Sanjeev Bhadauriya said, "The MLA was helped off the track and she then waited for some time at the platform for the flag-off event."
"Later she consulted doctors and is resting at her home now. She did not suffer any visible physical injuries. If there is any internal injury, it is yet to be confirmed," Bhadauriya said.
The train made stops at Tundla before arriving at Etawah station. Upon its arrival, a commotion ensued on the platform as various political figures, including Samajwadi Party MP Jitendra Douwhare, former BJP MP Ram Shankar, and current MLA Sarita Bhadauriya, gathered to participate in the flag-off, the videos showed.
As the train's horn signalled its departure, the platform became chaotic with supporters jostling for position. In the ensuing melee, the MLA was pushed off the platform and she fell onto the railway tracks in front of the train, it showed.
The train was stopped in time by bystanders, preventing a major accident. Bhadauriya was quickly rescued from the tracks by the police and taken to the hospital, according to eyewitnesses.
Talking about the operation date for the Vande Bharat Express, PRO Prashasti Srivastava from the Agra division of the railways said that the date will be announced soon.
The train will cover the distance between Agra and Varanasi in approximately seven hours. The return train will operate as number 20176 from Varanasi to Agra, while the Agra-Varanasi service will be number 20175.
Etawah, UP: The flag-off ceremony for the Agra-Varanasi Vande Bharat Express faced chaos due to heavy rush, and BJP's Etawah Sadar MLA, Sarita Bhadoria, fell in front of the train pic.twitter.com/p10CfbDIF0
— IANS (@ians_india) September 16, 2024
