Islam’s ‘Man Friday’ Azhgar Chulbul abducted, assaulted

Kalaburagi: Former chairman of Kalaburagi Urban Development Authority (KUDA) Mohammed Azhgar Chulbul, who was known as the ‘Man Friday’ of former minister late Qamarul Islam, was kidnapped and attacked with lethal weapons in the wee hours of Sunday. Besides, his house was ransacked and vehicle damaged with the attackers injuring a couple of his family members at his residence near Khaja Bande Naqaz Darga.

 In a police complaint, Mr Chulbul has alleged the attack took place at the instance of Kalaburagi North MLA Fathima Khaneez. Fathima’s adopted son and other relatives of the MLA have been named in the FIR.

According to Mr Chulbul, on Sunday at 2 am, over one hundred people came to his house,  took him away and assaulted him after damaging his vehicle and furniture. He was allegedly threatened with guns and swords. He alleged that a meeting was held at the residence of Ms Fathima on Saturday night where a plan was hatched to attack him.

Mr Chulbul, who was close to Islam, is said to have fallen out with Islam’s wife as he opposed her candidature for the Assembly election with an eye on the seat. Further, Mr Chulbul, who was angry over the removal of his leader Islam from the Cabinet, recently held a meeting of the local unit of Milli Council where a decision was taken by a group of Muslim leaders to oppose Mr Kharge in this election and instead work for BJP as Mr Kharge was held responsible for the “death” of Mr Islam following the loss of his Cabinet berth. Subsequently, Mr Chulbul is said to have started working for the BJP candidate Umesh Jadhav, despite warnings issued by Ms Fatheema’s followers.

Political observers feel that the incident would have serious repercussions on the LS election. “It is evident from this incident that unlike in the previous election Muslims, who opposed Mr Modi and voted for Mr Kharge, would not do so in this election. At least a section of Muslims, who believe that their leader Islam died owing to the humiliation he suffered following his removal from the Congress, will work against Mr Kharge, who according to them was responsible for the removal of Islam from the Cabinet. Till now Mr Chulbul and other supporters of Islam were working behind the scenes. Now they will do it openly,” analysts observed.

Meanwhile denying her role in the attack, Ms Fathima said Mr Chulbul was trying to bring her a bad name by alleging that she was behind the attack. “You know what he was (before he came in contact with Islam) and what stage he has reached because of Islam Saab. His intention is to spoil the election process. But let us all remain united and get Khargesaab elected.”

Meanwhile,  BJP leaders have submitted a memorandum to Electoral Officer R Venkatesh Kumar alleging that since last two days, their  leaders are afraid of canvassing as they are receiving threatening calls from some goonda elements.