Concerns Emerge in K’taka Assembly Over Missing Student; Speaker Urges Swift Action

Bengaluru, March 5 (NationPress) The Karnataka Legislative Assembly raised serious concerns on Wednesday regarding the disappearance of a Class 12 student in Farangipete, located near Bantwal in Mangaluru district, just a few days prior.

During Zero Hour, Speaker U.T. Khader brought attention to the case of the missing student, Digant, which was reported in his constituency.

“I understand an investigation is underway. However, there is growing concern and anxiety among the public. I have already consulted the Home Minister about this matter. Necessary actions must be taken,” he stressed.

Minister for Primary Education Madhu Bangarappa responded by stating that Digant had received his hall ticket from his PUC College and informed his family that he was heading to a temple at 7:30 p.m., but he never returned.

“The department is consistently coordinating with the SP and local police. His mobile phone and slippers, which had traces of blood, were discovered about 200 meters from nearby railway tracks,” he noted.

Meanwhile, authorities have conducted searches within a 2 km radius, employing drones as part of their efforts. No body has been located, and the police have formed seven special teams to intensify the search for the missing boy.

The boy’s mobile device, secured with a 16-digit code, is currently being decoded.

The incident occurred on February 25, and the CDR call list has been obtained.

“Calls were made to friends and relatives, and no foul play has been detected,” Minister Bangarappa confirmed.

“I will urge the Home Minister to ensure the boy is tracked down and returned to his family safely. While I am not leading the investigation, I am stepping in due to Home Minister G. Parameshwara’s absence. We need to investigate what occurred after the hall ticket was issued,” he remarked.

The minister also assured the family that the government is committed to keeping them informed about the case.

Speaker Khader advised the Minister to investigate all possible angles thoroughly.

BJP MLA and General Secretary V. Sunil Kumar interjected, stating that it has been eight to nine days since the incident, and it is unjustifiable for the government to only indicate that special teams have been formed.

“The boy was active in a Bhajan group and participated in various organizational activities. A bandh was observed, with participation from all our leaders. I appreciate that the authorities have procured the CDR list,” he added.

“However, if the case is not investigated by the special task force, rumors will inevitably spread. Therefore, it should be treated as an utmost emergency,” MLA Sunil Kumar cautioned.

BJP MLA Umanath A Kotian requested the minister to investigate the reportedly suspicious movement of a car during the time the boy went missing, as CCTV footage from the Anjaneya temple recorded the unusual movement of a black vehicle.

Minister Bangarappa assured that he would instruct police officers to gather more details and investigate the matter. “We will keep the family updated on our findings and work methodically towards resolving the case,” he affirmed.

Hindu organizations and the BJP held a bandh last Saturday regarding the missing student.

Members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal, and the BJP, including women, participated in significant numbers. Most shops and businesses were closed in solidarity with the bandh.

The protesters suspect the involvement of a 'ganja gang' in the case of the missing student and have called on police to take action against drug traffickers.