Bengaluru, Jan 14 (NationPress) Controversial audio recordings featuring a Congress leader from Karnataka's Chikkaballapur district, who is accused of verbally assaulting and threatening a female Municipal Commissioner, have sparked widespread outrage and serious concerns across the state on Wednesday.

This incident, ignited by the removal of an unauthorized banner, has become a significant embarrassment for the ruling party.

It is important to note that a recent confrontation between BJP and Congress activists in Ballari over a banner led to the tragic death of a Congress worker. Just as the Congress-led government was beginning to recover from that incident, another case of alleged misconduct by a Congress leader against a senior female official has ignited intense public anger.

The alleged misconduct involves local Congress leader Rajeev Gowda, who reportedly unleashed a torrent of abuse and threats towards Amrutha Gowda, the Municipal Commissioner of Sidlaghatta, during a phone conversation.

Rajeev Gowda serves as a KPCC state coordinator and was the unsuccessful Congress candidate in the Sidlaghatta Assembly elections.

Reports indicate that Gowda became furious over the removal of an illegally placed banner from the road and threatened the Commissioner using offensive language. Following the removal of the unauthorized banner, the Municipal Commissioner lodged a complaint stating that the threats were made during their conversation.

During the call, Gowda is accused of making severe threats, declaring: “I will set you on fire, beat you with slippers, and incite riots.”

In one of the first audio clips, Gowda purportedly confronts the Municipal Commissioner, asking: “Did you order the removal of the banner? If it’s taken down, I will come there and set it ablaze. Who removed it? They must reinstall it. Otherwise, I will show you who I am.”

The female officer, addressing him as “sir,” urges him to be mindful of his language when discussing officials. She explains that the banner was taken down following an accident and is currently stored at the office.

Gowda then allegedly responds: “I won’t remain human if I come there. Everyone will be expelled from this taluk.”

The officer implores him to listen and clarifies that no permission had been granted for the banner’s installation and that it was illegal. This reportedly further incensed Gowda, who allegedly claimed that if he chose, no one would be able to work even momentarily. The officer again requests that he refrain from using foul language.

Gowda is also reportedly heard stating that people would attack officials using slippers and that he would prove it by arriving with supporters from all wards.

In another audio clip, Gowda is allegedly heard threatening the officer: “If you hang up, you will face repercussions. I am aware of what is happening. I am only staying quiet because someone from my community is involved. If you do not reinstall the banner, you will regret it. Issues exist in every ward. I will come with supporters, stage a protest, and you will have to flee this area.”

He further allegedly asserts: “I am not my father’s son if I do not follow through. I will demonstrate what responsibility entails. I thought you were part of my caste and remained silent, but you are trying to act superior. I will show you what your responsibility is.”

He is also reportedly heard stating: “If any banner is found installed without approval, I will ensure you are beaten up.” The officer challenges him, asking what he means by getting them assaulted.

This incident has ignited a significant political controversy in the state, with the BJP demanding the arrest of Rajeev Gowda under the Goonda Act.