A video of a conversation between a Congress leader and a man purportedly discussing the elimination of Yelahanka BJP MLA SR Vishwanath has surfaced, following which the MLA’s security has been beefed up and investigation is on. The alleged conversation between Gopalkrishna, a Congress candidate who lost twice against Vishwanath in Yelahanka assembly constituency, and his aide Kulla Devaraj took place a few months back. It was widely broadcast by Kannada news channels on Wednesday.
While Vishwanath has demanded a detailed inquiry and punishment for those involved in the case, Gopalakrishna denied the allegations, saying it was a “trick” of the MLA. Bengaluru Police Chief Kamal Pant, without divulging much, only said that the city crime branch is probing the matter and necessary action will be taken.
Home Minister Araga Gyanendra said that the government has taken seriously the conspiracy to murder Vishwanath, who is also the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) chairman and a detailed investigation will take place. “Viswanath personally spoke to me regarding the matter and the investigation is in the preliminary stage,” he said. He said that his security would be increased as per the request of the MLA.
Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, who is in Hubballi, said he would personally take information from the officials and Vishwanath and assured necessary legal action. Speaking to reporters, three-time MLA Vishwanath said that he has lodged a complaint with the police and the Home Minister that Gopalkrishna, a Congress leader, wanted to kill him.
“Yesterday evening, around 7-7:30 pm – a kulla Devaraj apologised, saying that he had received the betel nut (contract) from Gopalkrishna. He said he was threatened for rejecting the betel nut…. I Called the Home Minister immediately,” he said. Expressing astonishment at the idea that an MLA can be terminated with a supari (contract) and calling it a dangerous trend, he further said, “There are audio and video clippings of Gopalkrishna talking to me to kill me.” Devraj, who is a Congress worker, is heard and conspired.” Vishwanath said, “They also discuss bringing the killers from Andhra Pradesh. They also know that I go to my farmhouse alone. They discussed killing me there.” He said that he has brought it to the notice of Chief Minister Bommai.
“In a video, Gopalakrishna says I cannot be defeated in an election. This has never happened in Karnataka and in my career of 42 years. I don’t know why Gopalakrishna did it. Should everyone kill the winning candidates? will be given?” He asked. Denying the allegations, Gopalakrishna termed the videos being broadcast by local channels as “fake”.
“It’s all MLA’s plan. I don’t have such criminal mind. Let it be probed and I will cooperate with police… It’s true that I met Devraj.. We had discussed some land matters. Everything else is edited and manipulated. It has been done to malign my image. I will file a complaint against Devraj and sue him.” Gopalakrishna also demanded a CBI probe into the attempted murder of rowdy-turned-politician Kadabagere Srinivas in 2017, citing Vishwanath’s involvement.
Meanwhile, backing an impartial probe into the alleged conspiracy to eliminate Vishwanath, Karnataka Congress President DK Shivakumar said, “The culprits should be punished. But it seems to be an attempt to torture political opponents. Also, Bengaluru”. All the miscreants are with Vishwanath.” ,
read all breaking news, breaking news And coronavirus news Here.
,