Mangalore: State Minister U.T. Khader on Sunday denied allegations made by some BJP leaders of influencing the alleged molestation case and protecting the culprit. On Wednesday, Siraj (25), son of Abbas, a resident of Sangabettu, was arrested for allegedly molesting college student (19, who is his neighbour. However, the culprit was out on bail immediately, which triggered massive protest.

Following the incident, former minister B Nagaraj Shetty, BJP leaders Rajesh Naik Ulipadiguttu, Thungappa Bangera, G Ananda, Jagadish Adhikari, Sulochana Bhat and VHP leader Jithendra Kottari and others gathered at Siddakatte junction and warned the police against bowing down to any political pressure. Later on, Siraj was re-arrested by police and was produced before a local court which remanded him to judicial custody for the next 15 days.

Denying the allegations made by some BJP leaders, the minister said he was outstation and was attending a symposium in South Africa, when the incident took place. “I have not protected any miscreant. Some BJP leaders are trying to spoil my image. Hence, I have asked the Superintendent of Police (SP) to take action against those who have pulled my name into the incident”, he said.

When asked if the followers of the minister made any calls to the police, U.T Khader said, “I have asked the police not to entertain any callers, who are trying to influence the police department in my name. It’s the court which granted bail to the person and the police had nothing to do in the case, he added.