Bengaluru, Jan 23 (NationPress) The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) has officially suspended its member Rajeev Gowda after he was accused of threatening and abusing a female municipal commissioner regarding the removal of a banner. The suspension was enacted by the KPCC Disciplinary Committee.

A meeting convened by the Disciplinary Committee took place in Bengaluru, where they deliberated on the gravity of the situation, leading to the decision to suspend him. Rajeev Gowda, who ran in the previous Assembly elections from Sidlaghatta, is currently evading authorities in this matter.

Further updates on this situation are expected soon.

On Wednesday, the KPCC had already suggested the suspension of Rajeev Gowda concerning the incident, which attracted national attention and caused significant embarrassment for the ruling party in Karnataka.

The KPCC stated: "The comments made by Rajeev Gowda have been extensively reported in the media, bringing serious embarrassment to the party and its leadership. The KPCC President has noted the seriousness of the issue and has instructed that the Disciplinary Committee review the suspension of Rajeev Gowda from Sidlaghatta." Chandrashekhar added.

"In this context, you are directed, following the KPCC President's instructions, to investigate the matter in accordance with established procedures and promptly act on suspending him from the party," he mentioned.

It's important to note that the Karnataka High Court dismissed a petition from Congress leader Rajeev Gowda on Thursday, which sought to quash the FIR filed against him for allegedly using abusive language and making threats over the phone to a woman municipal commissioner regarding a banner's removal in Sidlaghatta.

Earlier, the Karnataka High Court had criticized Rajeev Gowda on Tuesday over the case, questioning why he had not been charged under more serious offenses.

A High Court panel, led by Justice M. Nagaprasanna, scrutinized the petition filed by Rajeev Gowda, who is currently evading arrest, seeking to annul the FIR against him. The court raised concerns about why serious sections like BNS Sections 71 (related to severe sexual offenses against women and children) and 79 (pertaining to insults against a woman's modesty) had not been applied, given his alleged derogatory language towards a female officer.

“Does the petitioner have no regard for women? How can he speak in such a manner? Once spoken, words cannot be taken back. A careless tongue can ruin everything,” the Bench stated.

The court further remarked that even an apology would not amend the mindset that caused the harm. The matter is currently reserved for further orders and the case has been adjourned.