Karnataka: Congress leader R V Devaraj dies at 67
Bengaluru (PTI): Congress leader and former MLA R V Devaraj passed away in Mysuru, party sources said on Tuesday.
He died at the age of 67 after suffering a heart attack on Monday night, they said.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah condoled the death, saying the news of the passing of Devaraj—former MLA of the Chickpet Assembly constituency and a senior Congress leader—was deeply saddening.
"Devaraj, who was known for his ideological commitment and concern for the people, worked tirelessly for many years as a loyal and dedicated member of the Congress. He should have been with us for many more years," Siddaramaiah said in a post on 'X'.
"I pray that the departed soul rests in peace and that strength is granted to his family members and admirers to bear this loss," he added.
Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar also said the news of Devaraj’s death had brought profound sorrow. "His contributions to the Chickpet constituency through politics and social service are immeasurable," he said in a post on 'X'.
Shivakumar said Devaraj’s passing was a great loss to the state’s politics and to the Chickpet constituency.
"May Devaraj’s soul attain peace. I pray that the Almighty grants strength to his family members and admirers to bear this grief," he added.
Devaraj, a three-time MLA, was elected from the Chamarajpet constituency on a Congress ticket in 1989 and 1999.
In 2004, he vacated the seat for then Chief Minister S M Krishna, who went on to win the election.
After the delimitation exercise, Devaraj returned to the Assembly in 2013, this time representing the Chickpet constituency.
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SIT formed to probe second sexual assault case against expelled Cong MLA Mamkootathil
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to probe a second case of sexual assault against expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, police officials said on Friday.
The SIT will be led by G Poonguzhali, Assistant Inspector General at the Police Headquarters.
The team also includes a DSP rank officer and sub-inspectors, officials added.
The second sexual assault complaint was received by the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee, which it forwarded to the state police chief.
ALSO READ: Cong expels rape-accused MLA Mamkootathil from party's primary membership
Following this, the Crime Branch registered a case and launched an investigation.
Crime Branch officials said the email complaint contained only the sender's email ID and no other contact details.
As part of the probe, they have sent a reply email requesting that the complainant contact them and provide her statement.
The complainant has alleged that she was sexually assaulted under the false promise of marriage, a Crime Branch official said.
However, details such as the location and date of the alleged incident are not currently available to the police.
The SIT will attempt to trace the sender of the email and record her statement, which is crucial for further investigation, the officer said.
Mamkootathil was expelled from the Congress party on Thursday after a court here rejected his anticipatory bail petition in another rape case.
Police said he is currently absconding, and a manhunt is underway in Kerala and neighbouring states.
