Gowda's protect Gonal' call sparks row

Bengaluru: Janata Dal (Secular) supremo, H.D. Deve Gowda has stirred a hornet’s nest by suggesting that the Madigas among Dalits should rise to protect Gonal Bhimappa former KPSC chairman, who is an accused in the KPSC recruitment scam. However, a section of JD(S) leaders suspect that Mr Gowda probably wants to protect Dr H.N. Krishna, his close associate, who is also an accused in the recruitment scam.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, a senior leader said, "Mr Gowda had been waiting for the right time to bring up the scam as it has been on the back burner  for quite some time. Those involved in the recruitment scam mostly belonged his camp, including Gonal Bhimappa, who  is from the Madiga community."

The source added that if the Dalit community raises its voice, it would be easier to weaken the case against Dr Krishna too. "The Madiga Dandora state committee had organised a meeting on Sunday in which Mr Gowda also took part. He did not let go of the opportunity, when a section of the audience started demanding that the cases filed against Mr Bhimappa be dropped. Mr Gowda reminded social welfare  minister, H. Anjaneya who was present, that people were seeking protection for Mr Bhimappa. Hearing this, Mr Anjaneya assured those present that he would leave no stone unturned to protect his brother-in-law, Mr Bhimappa," the source disclosed.

HDK to CM: Ensure justice to ‘harassed’ dalit
Former CM H.D. Kumaraswamy has set a three-day deadline for CM Siddaramaiah to ensure justice to a Dalit woman, Sunitha, who was allegedly harassed and humiliated by High Grounds police when she approached the CM for justice.

Addressing reporters here on Tuesday, Mr Kumaraswamy claimed that the cops had labelled her a prostitute and sent her to a remand home. He said: “Sunitha had a house allotted to her through Ambedkar Awaz Yojana on First B Pipeline Road,  Hosahalli, but she did not got a possession certificate. At first, she approached Home Minister Dr G. Parameshwar and later Bengaluru Development Minister K.J. George, but  failed to get the certificate”.

On May 17, she went to the CM’s home office  ‘Krishna’ to meet Mr Siddaramaiah along with her children and husband. Officials at the CM’s office did not allow her inside. At 8 pm the same day, the officials allegedly called the police and asked them to take her away. Women constables used abusive language and shifted her to the remand home at Madivala, Mr Kumaraswamy claimed.

According to him, the Station House Officer of High Grounds station had written to the superintendent of the remand home stating that “Sunitha was suspiciously roaming on Kumara Krupa Road at 6.30 pm on May 17 and so, we request you to provide a day’s shelter to her”. 

CM denies charge
Meanwhile, Mr. Siddaramaiah denied the allegation and said it was being made with political motives. “If Sunitha feels she has been treated unfairly, she should file a complaint and the authorities will take action,” the CM said defending the police action.