Man sneaks into Karnataka assembly posing as MLA, arrested
Bengaluru, July 7: A 72-year-old man posing as an MLA sneaked into the Karnataka assembly here on Friday and was arrested only after spending 15 minutes wandering in the House amidst the legislators.
The man identified as Thipperudra entered the assembly impersonating Sagar MLA Belur Gopalakrishna, police sources said.
He walked around for a while and sat on Devadurga MLA Karemma's seat for about 15 minutes, they added.
When Gurmitkal JD(S) MLA Sharanagouda Kandakur grew suspicious about him, he called the marshals of the House.
"On the day Siddaramaiah presented his historic budget, this historic incident too occurred where for the first time in the Karnataka assembly's history a man sneaked into the Karnataka assembly," Kandakur quipped.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central Division) R Srinivas Gowda said the intruder gained entry into the assembly by identifying himself as an MLA.
"The marshals held him after confirming that he was an impersonator. He was handed over to the Vidhana Soudha police. We are interrogating him to find out the motive," Gowda told reporters.
A police officer said it was difficult for the marshals deployed at the assembly to identify the legislators as there are many new faces.
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Punishment for those disrupting assembly proceedings, warns Speaker UT Khader
Belagavi: Speaker U.T. Khader on Friday warned that members who disrupt Assembly proceedings by talking in their seats during debates will be made to sit in the House for an entire day as a disciplinary measure.
The warning came after the Question Hour, when Deputy Leader of the Opposition Arvind Bellad was permitted to initiate a discussion on the development of North Karnataka.
At this point, expelled BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal objected, stating that he had been seeking a debate for the past three days but had not been given an opportunity.
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Responding to the objection, Speaker Khader said Bellad had already been granted permission and assured Yatnal that he would be allowed to speak at the next opportunity. He noted that even as a serious discussion was underway, several MLAs were speaking among themselves with their microphones on, disrupting the proceedings.
Expressing displeasure over the conduct of members, Khader likened the situation to football, where players receive red, yellow, or white cards for violations. Similarly, he said, the Assembly issues warning cards to members who disturb the House. If they fail to correct themselves despite repeated warnings, they would be required to remain seated in the Assembly hall for a full day as punishment, he stated.
