Visit Andaman jail, know Savarkar's history: Minister Sunil Kumar to Siddaramaiah
Udupi/Karwar, Aug 19: BJP leaders continued to target Congress leader Siddaramaiah for his "Muslim area" remark and comments against V D Savarkar with Karnataka Energy Minister V Sunil Kumar on Friday urging the former chief minister to visit the cellular jail in Andaman and get to know the story of the Hindutva ideologue's contribution to the freedom struggle.
This statement comes at a time when activists of Hindu organisations and the BJP continued their protests against the former Chief Minister, and there are reports that he was shown black flag today during his visit to Chikkamagaluru.
"Savarkar is known as Veer Savarkar for his contributions to India's freedom struggle. Siddaramaiah is belittling Savarkar because the former does not know history completely. Had he known history fully, he wouldn't have spoken that way," Kumar said in Udupi.
"I urge him to visit the cellular jail in Andaman...if you see that jail, tears will well up in your eyes, you will understand the kind of struggle of Indians, the cruelty of the British. If you have time, visit the jail and then talk about Savarkar," he said, adding that "Savarkar is the symbol of nationalism".
The Leader of the Opposition in the State Assembly on Tuesday, blaming the BJP for creating communal tension in the district headquarters town of Shivamogga on August 15, had raised questions on attempts to install Savarkar's photo in a Muslim-dominated area.
"They tried to put Savarkar's photo in a Muslim area. Let them put up whatever photo, no problem. But, why do that in a Muslim area? And, why did they say 'no' to Tipu Sultan's photo?" he had said.
Following the remarks, activists of the Hindu organisations and the BJP had begun protests against Siddaramaiah, and there were instances of eggs being hurled at his car and black flags waved during his visit to Kodagu on Thursday.
The protests were not instigated by someone, they were an outburst of public feeling, Kumar said adding: Today's youth are in no mood to accept Siddaramaiah's derogatory remarks against Savarkar.
"Siddaramaiah can't stand people with 'kumkum' on their forehead, he questions putting up of Savarkar's photo in Muslim area. He is known for his divisive nature and people are not willing to accept it, so there are protests," he said, however adding that his party would not support any violent means of protest.
Questioning Siddaramaiah's "Muslim area" remark, BJP national general secretary C T Ravi asked if such Muslim-dominated areas in the State are a part of Pakistan according to the Congress leader.
"The mentality that photo should not be put up in Muslim area is not in the interest of the country. Today, they question Savarkar's photo, tomorrow they will question the tricolour-hoisting in that area, then they will say the law of this land is not applicable in their area and 'Shariat' will be followed, then they will say they are part of Pakistan," he said in Karwar.
Such divisive ideas the Congress and Siddaramaiah are nurturing are dangerous to the country, Ravi added.
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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.
