The Karnataka State Government has disqualified a sitting member of the Hiremyageri gram panchayat in Yelburga taluk, Koppal district, under the provisions of the Panchayat Raj Act. The action was taken after charges of assaulting a government employee on duty were proven against the member.
Disqualification Order
The government order cancelled the membership of Shantamma Bandivaddar, a current member of the gram panchayat, and barred her from contesting elections for the next six years. Notably, her term had only two months remaining at the time of the order.
Background of the Incident
According to officials, the action followed a complaint filed by Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) Ratnamma Gundannavar at Yelburga police station on February 22, 2025. In the complaint, the PDO alleged that Shantamma, accompanied by her son Bhimesh, suddenly entered the gram panchayat office while discussions were underway regarding beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) housing scheme. The accused allegedly assaulted the PDO and issued death threats.
Inquiry and Findings
An inquiry was conducted under various legal provisions, and the allegations were reportedly found to be true. Officials stated that the accused member failed to submit convincing evidence to disprove the charges. Based on the findings, the government disqualified her from holding the post and barred her from contesting elections for six years under the Panchayat Raj Act.
This action underscores the government's commitment to ensuring the safety and dignity of public servants performing their duties. The disqualification serves as a deterrent against any form of violence or intimidation towards government employees.
