Mysuru: The latest statement by the Superintendent of Police in Mysuru in which he said that, cases against the present Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Marigowda were closed in 2007 may brew fresh trouble for the CM.
Five case were registered against Siddaramaiah, the then legislator of Chamundeshwari assembly constituency and five others including K.Marigowda for fomenting arson, which resulted in burning of KSRTC buses near B.Saluhundi gate coming under Jayapuram police station limits. The incident happened on March 31, 2007 and a complaint was registered in the Jayapuram police station (Complaint No 27/2007) under different sections of Indian penal code. The government during that period had withdrawn the cases under Criminal procedure code column 321 on Sept 14, 2009 through its public prosecutor.
In addition, a case was registered against Siddaramaiah (where he was not mentioned as legislator) and few others including K.Marigowda under various sections of IPC citing public property disfigurement. On the same night of March 31, 2007 at 9.30pm, around 50-60 people had caused damage to KSRTC buses and later entered the SP’s office where they broke few flower pots and window panes. Again five cases were registered in Mysuru rural police station against Siddaramaiah (then legislator) and his men.
The second incident was referred to CID where ‘C’ report was filed in four cases while one case was withdrawn.
Affidavit given to EC does not find mention of the above incidents
In the affidavit submitted to the election commission in 2013 while contesting for Varuna assembly constituency, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had not mentioned about the above said cases. The election commission guidelines stipulate that the contesting candidate has to refer or make a mention of the pending police cases.
In the first five cases, Siddaramaiah is the first accused (A1 accused), where as in the next five cases he is the second accused. This might land him in trouble after the HC issued summons to Chikkamagaluru MP and BJP Stalwart Shobha Karndhlaje for giving false information regarding election expenses.
Though the cases are of separate nature, Mysuru SP’s statement about closure of cases in 2007 has opened a fresh can of worms which may corner the Chief Minister who is already in knee deep trouble.
