Congress Leader Rajeev Gowda Apprehended by Karnataka Police in High-Profile Case
In a significant development, the Karnataka police have arrested suspended Congress leader Rajeev Gowda on Monday. The arrest stems from serious allegations of verbally abusing and threatening the Shidlaghatta municipal council commissioner over the telephone. The incident reportedly occurred in connection with the removal of unauthorized banners in Chikkaballapur district.
Details of the Alleged Incident and Police Action
According to police officials, the controversy began when Rajeev Gowda allegedly contacted Municipal Commissioner Amrutha Gowda on January 12. During this call, he is accused of using highly abusive language and making threats against civic staff members. The commissioner subsequently filed a formal police complaint, leading to the registration of a First Information Report (FIR).
The police complaint details that Rajeev Gowda demanded the immediate reinstatement of the removed banners. Furthermore, he allegedly warned that he would mobilize people from multiple wards, incite public unrest, damage government property, and obstruct municipal council functions. Commissioner Amrutha Gowda stated that the threatening call caused severe mental distress to her and her entire staff.
Legal Charges and Multiple FIRs Registered
The initial FIR against Rajeev Gowda has been registered under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). These include:
- Section 132: Assaulting or using criminal force against a public servant
- Section 224: Threat of injury to a public servant
- Section 352: Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace
- Section 351(3): Criminal intimidation
- Section 56: Abetment
In a separate development, a second FIR was filed against the Congress leader based on a complaint from N C Srinivasa Gowda, a farmer and JD(S) taluk vice-president. This complaint alleges that during the same telephone conversation, Rajeev Gowda made provocative statements, abused Shidlaghatta MLA B N Ravikumar, and falsely blamed him for the banner removal. The complaint further states that Rajeev Gowda threatened to mobilize people from 31 different wards, damage government offices, incite violence, and made indecent remarks against women government officials.
The second FIR has been registered under BNS sections 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) and 353(2) (offences related to public mischief from false statements). A purported audio recording of the controversial call has been circulating widely on various social media platforms, adding to the public scrutiny of the case.
Arrest Details and Political Repercussions
Police sources revealed that Rajeev Gowda had initially traveled to Mangaluru in his personal vehicle before boarding a train to Kerala following the public outrage over his alleged conduct. However, law enforcement authorities successfully apprehended him while he was traveling to Goa. He is currently being transported back to Chikkaballapur for further legal proceedings.
The political fallout from this incident has been substantial. The ruling Congress party has already suspended Rajeev Gowda from the party, facing significant pressure from both the public and opposition parties. Additionally, the Karnataka High Court recently refused to quash the FIR when Rajeev Gowda approached the court seeking relief on January 22, allowing the legal process to continue.
This case highlights ongoing tensions between political figures and municipal authorities in Karnataka, particularly concerning the enforcement of regulations regarding unauthorized public displays and banners. The use of the newly implemented Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita provisions adds another layer of legal significance to this high-profile arrest.
