Kodagu Police allegedly detain Kerala-based journalist reporting on tribal issues
Allegations of detention without following legal procedures; Investigation underway
Virajpet: In an incident from Virajpet in Kodagu district, a Kerala-based journalist, Rijaz, has claimed that police detained him without following legal procedures and subjected him to an investigation. Rijaz made these serious allegations on social media on Wednesday evening.
Rijaz, who was traveling on a bus with tribals to their settlement, claimed that three police officers in a private car stopped the bus in a remote area and asked him to come with them without showing any warrant.
After a few minutes of argument, the police allegedly forced him into the car and took him to the Virajpet police station for questioning, as stated by the journalist on his Instagram story.
After the investigation was completed, the police released him.
Upon his release, Rijaz shared on Instagram, “Just now I got out of station. Adivasis came to station. Circle Inspector Anoop interrogated me in presence of other 4 officers. He said that since yesterday evening, he had received many calls from superiors and informants claiming that an urban Naxal from Kochi had come to Karnataka to organize. During the interrogation, I told him that I was here to report on the violence faced by Adivasi laborers at the hands of dominant caste employers. When asked why someone from Kerala was here, I replied that since mainstream media weren't reporting on the issue, I had volunteered to come and report on it. During our conversation about the delayed government relief for Adivasis, I quoted, "Justice delayed is justice denied." The inspector responded by saying that i'm speaking like a Naxal. He also mentioned that there's a case against me in Delhi, which I wasn't aware of,” said Rijaz.
Rijaz further alleged that Suresh Bilgeri, a journalist from Times Now, is among those opposing him.
Rijaz also mentioned in another post, “The problem is not of my freedom being violated and me being red tagged. The problem is Adivasi labourers not being allowed to meet anyone from outside.”
The Adivasi Sangarsha Samiti Morcha organized a protest in front of the Taluk office in Virajpet on Wednesday, demanding a 20 lakh rupees compensation for the family of the late Pani Eravara Ponnanna, who was killed in a brutal attack. The committee also called for government employment for his wife. Rijaz was in Karnataka to report on this protest.
Reacting to the allegations, Circle Inspector Anoop of Virajpet stated, “It is true that we questioned Rijaz to understand the identity of an outsider. The allegations made by him and his social media posts have been brought to the attention of senior officials,” he informed.
On December 27th, Pani Eravara Ponnanna, a tribal worker, was shot and killed by the owner of a plantation while he was with his wife in the nearby field.
In response, the Adivasi Sangarsha Samiti Morcha held a protest in front of the Taluk office, condemning the inhuman act and demanding justice. The committee also raised concerns about the severe living conditions of the tribal workers who have been deprived of basic facilities, education, healthcare, and decent employment.
They urged the government to take serious measures to address these issues, provide proper compensation to the family, and ensure the speedy completion of the investigation into the murder. The committee also emphasised that the government should take action against the atrocities faced by the tribal community.
In response to the petition, Virajpet Taluk Tahsildar Ramachandra Mathanadi assured, "We stand with you. The accused will certainly be punished under the law. A compensation of 8.25 lakh rupees has been approved, and half of it will be given to the wife and the mother of the deceased. The wife, who is under 18, will receive a government job after she turns 18. The Welfare Department will provide the necessary facilities for the Scheduled Tribes. Arrangements have been made for the deceased's brother to receive education at a residential school. The petition will be forwarded to the government through the Deputy Commissioner."
AICC-TCU State President Appanna, State Committee Vice-President K.E. Mohan, State General Secretary Clifton Rozario, District Secretary Gauri, District Joint Secretary Bolka Appanna, District Committee Member Gappu, and District President of the Dakshina Kannada chapter Ramanna Vitla spoke at the event, addressing the protesters. Virajpet Taluk President M.K. Mohan and others were also present.
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National Herald case: Shivakumar to seek time next week to appear before Delhi police
New Delhi/Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Monday said he will ask for time from Delhi police to appear before them next week, to provide required information as part of the probe into the National Herald case.
He said he will seek time after the ongoing winter session of Karnataka legislature ends on December 19. He will also ask the Delhi police to provide him the FIR copy.
Shivakumar, who is in the national capital, had earlier said that he will appear before the Delhi police on Monday. But, he postponed the plan in order to rush back to Karnataka to participate in the last rites of veteran Congress leader Shamanuru Shivashankarappa, scheduled later in the day in Davangere.
"I had to go (to appear before the Delhi police), but I have to go back urgently. I'm asking them for time, stating that I will come next week," Shivakumar told reporters in New Delhi.
"They (Delhi police) have not attached the FIR copy while issuing notice to me. I need FIR copy, because we had already given all the required replies to the ED. I don't know what the FIR says, I only read in papers. They have given notice, I will ask for a FIR copy. I will come next week after the Assembly session."
The Delhi Police had issued a notice to Shivakumar, who is also the Karnataka Congress chief, seeking financial and transactional details as part of its probe into the National Herald case.
The notice issued by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) states that Shivakumar is "supposed to be having vital information" pertaining to the National Herald case registered on October 3 this year, against top Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.
In the notice dated November 29, the EOW had asked Shivakumar to appear before it or provide the requested information by December 19 latest.
Investigators have sought details about his personal background, his association with the Congress party, and a complete break up of funds allegedly transferred by him or associated entities to Young Indian.
To a question on meeting AICC General Secretaries K C Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala, amid the ongoing power tussle between him and CM Siddaramaiah over the Chief Minister post, Shivakumar said when he comes to Delhi, he usually meets every one.
"Whether it is Surjewala or Kharge (AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge) or Venugopal, I will meet everyone. During lunch yesterday I met Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. I have met everyone. What's wrong?" he asked.
Shivakumar was in Delhi to take part in Congress' "Vote Chori" rally on Sunday, and had also participated in the lunch organised by the party for its leaders.
Responding to a question, whether any meeting is planned with leaders today, the Deputy CM said, he and Kharge will be travelling together to Karnataka, to pay last respects to Shamanuru Shivashankarappa.
Asked if he will seek time for a separate meeting with Congress leadership including Rahul Gandhi, during the next visit to Delhi, Sivakumar said, "such things will be there between us in the party.... you don't worry."
