SHIVAMOGGA: Bhadravathi Congress MLA Sangameshwar’s son Basavesh allegedly threatened and verbally abused a woman official from the Department of Mines and Geology when she raided Seegabagi-Baballi area in Bhadravathi taluk, where illegal sand mining is rampant, on Sunday night.
Police have arrested three people in this connection. They have been identified as Ravi, 30, of Mavinakatte in Channagiri taluk of Davangere district, Varun, 34, of Arkalgud in Hassan district, and Ajay, 28, of Surendragowda Camp in Bhadravathi taluk.
A video of the Sunday night’s incident has gone viral. After receiving information that sand was being transported illegally on a tractor, geologist of Bhadravathi division KK Jyoti and geologist of Shivamogga division Preeti Doddagoudar along with three staff members rushed to Seegabagi-Baballi, where Basavesh allegedly abused Jyothi in a foul language over the phone.
Jyothi, who lodged a police complaint, told reporters that the accused after abusing her also threatened to run a heavy vehicle over her team members.
Meanwhile, BJP workers staged a protest in front of the tahsildar’s office in Bhadravathi demanding that action be taken against Basavesh.
Who is protecting MLA’s son, asks BYV
BJP state president BY Vijayendra said the incident involving an MLA’s son is a disgrace to society. The incident indicates that anti-social elements have taken over Bhadravathi.
He said crimes against women have increased under Congress rule. Even women officials and other staff are not safe. Accusing the state government of not taking any action against the MLA’s son, he sought to know who it is protecting? When a BJP MLA was accused of insulting the minister for women and child development, the government acted swiftly against him. Why is the government now silent when a woman official has been verbally abused? Why is the women’s commission mute on the matter?
Shivamogga MLA SN Channabasappa alleged that Bhadravathi police should have registered a suo motu case against Basavesh.
Home Minister G Parameshwara said in Bengaluru that action will be taken if Basavesh had acted against law. “Local police will investigate the matter and take action,” he added.