A Mysuru-based RTI activist who highlighted the alleged irregularities in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's role, on Monday claimed he was getting life threats from land sharks and the real estate mafia.
In response to threats from the real estate mafia, the Karnataka Police has started patrolling his residence and the surrounding areas in Mysuru city.
RTI activist N Gangaraju, who had exposed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s family’s involvement in the MUDA case, has written a letter to the Chief Minister’ Office (CMO) requesting security and the deputation of a gunman.
The authorities while rejecting his request for a gunman have arranged for police patrolling around his residence. Additionally, a ‘Smart e-beat’ system has been set up at his home.
Speaking to IANS, Gangaraju explained on Monday that two to three crucial documents in the MUDA case against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah are yet to come out.
“On Sunday, when I was returning from Pandavapura town to Mysuru with my family, strange persons waylaid the vehicle and threatened me and my family and I got their photos. The threats have continued,” he stated.
“I was the one who had registered a criminal case against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during his first tenure as the CM, regarding his direct involvement in a land case.
“Now, the matter is before the Supreme Court. At present the High Court is asking petitioners to establish direct involvement of CM Siddaramaiah in the case and I can establish his role but I am being threatened,” Gangaraju stated.
“I was the first to bring out the MUDA case,” Gangaraju stated.
The Inspector of Kuvempunagar Police Station in Mysuru in a written statement to Gangaraju on August 28 stated, “The PSI, ASI, Cheetah bike patrol, mobile squad, plainclothes officers, crime division police, and sleuths from the Intelligence wing will patrol the residence and surrounding areas to keep vigil.
“The police department has also placed a point book at your residence where the beat police are required to sign in, during both day and night shifts. Officers are also tasked with gathering information regarding the movement of suspicious persons.”
The police have asked Gangaraju to inform them immediately if he faces any threats to his life or the lives of his family members.
“He can either call the emergency number or file a complaint with the police. If Gangaraju wants protection from a gunman, he can avail of the facility by paying the stipulated fee.”
A delegation from the Congress party had earlier met with the Police Commissioner of Mysuru and filed a complaint demanding the arrest of Gangaraju, alleging that he was carrying out propaganda against the Chief Minister and his family.
Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, HD Kumaraswamy, has accused the Congress government in the state of “harassing RTI activists who expose the MUDA scam involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's family.”
Gangaraju has been at the forefront of unearthing irregularities related to land in Mysuru, with a special focus on the irregularities involving MUDA.
Tripura youth sent to jail for brutally killing street dog
An official said that the youth was arrested from Wak Shimalung Para village in Khowai district on Saturday for killing a street dog on March 11. The youth, identified as Bador Jamatia, has been booked under Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
7 Bangladeshis, 4 Rohingyas held along India-Bangladesh border
Seven Bangladeshi nationals and four Rohingyas were arrested in Meghalaya and Tripura border villages, along with four Indian touts who facilitated the foreign nationals' illegal entry into India from across the border, an official said on Sunday.
Tripura: BJP to contest Village Committee polls in alliance with IPFT and TMP
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would contest upcoming crucial elections to the Village Committees in alliance with its allies -- the Tipra Motha Party (TMP) and the Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT) though the TMP fought the 2023 Assembly polls independently.
HM Shah to hold review meet with NE CMs on 3 new criminal laws
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will hold a meeting with the Chief Ministers of eight northeastern states in Guwahati on Sunday to review the implementation of three new criminal laws, which replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and other laws in July last year, officials said.
Landed in India, a country of huge importance: New Zealand PM
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon received a warm welcome from Union Minister of State S.P. Singh Baghel as he arrived in Delhi for his first official visit to India.
Suicide blast in Balochistan: 5 Pakistani soldiers killed, claims Baloch Liberation Army
At least five Pakistani soldiers were killed and more than ten injured after a deadly explosion rocked the Pakistani Army convoy in Balochistan’s Noshki, reports said.
SC to hear on Monday suo moto RG Kar doctor rape-murder case
The Supreme Court is slated to hear on Monday the matter where it has taken suo moto cognisance of the rape and murder of a junior doctor at the state-run R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.
India to co-chair key international counter-terrorism meet for first time
India is set to play a pivotal role in an upcoming international counter-terrorism meeting, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to combat terrorism globally.