Shivakumar plays down speculations about cabinet reshuffle in Karnataka
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Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Saturday played down speculations about the cabinet reshuffle in the state, calling it a "rumour" in the media.
Shivakumar, who is also the state Congress president, said the party high command will decide on it.
Speculations are rife about a change of guard and cabinet reshuffle in the state when the Congress government reaches the halfway mark of its five-year term in November, which is being referred to by some as the "November revolution".
"No cabinet (reshuffle), nothing. It is all rumour in the media, listening to some people. The talks are in the media. Either me or the chief minister has to speak about it. When both of us have not spoken, what is there in it?" Shivakumar told reporters in response to a question.
He said, "Some people are in urgency (to become ministers). If their names come in the media, they will go door to door (of leaders). There is no chance for it. Everything will be decided by the high command."
According to party sources, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his camp are pushing for a reshuffle.
They said, any move by the chief minister to effect cabinet reshuffle, as the government is about to complete 2.5 years in office, will be seen as a message that he is at the helm and will continue to do so, which may come across as a setback for Shivakumar, who is waiting to lay claim to the chief minister's chair.
There has been speculation within state's political circles, especially within the ruling Congress, for some time now about the chief minister change later this year, claiming power-sharing agreement involving Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar.
There has also been a demand for some time now, from a section of Congress MLAs, who are ministerial aspirants, to be inducted into the cabinet by effecting a rejig. Some have even openly expressed their wish to become ministers.
Karnataka has a sanctioned strength of 34 ministers, including the CM.
Two berths in the cabinet are currently vacant -- following the resignation of B Nagendra as a minister following allegations against him in connection with embezzlement at the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki ST Development Corporation, and the recent sacking of K N Rajanna from the cabinet on the instructions from the party high command.
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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.
