ST Panel Issues Summons to Karnataka DGP and SP Over Legislative Council Chairman Horatti's Allegations
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Bengaluru, Dec 7 (NationPress) The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes has issued summons to Karnataka DGP Alok Mohan and Hubballi-Dharwad Superintendent of Police (SP) Gopala Byakod for neglecting to file an FIR against Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti, who is accused of abusing his position for personal benefit.
DGP Mohan and SP Byakod are required to appear before the ST Commission on December 12, as per sources.
This notice follows a complaint lodged by Arun Hirehala, a resident of Dharwad.
The complaint claims that after recognizing R. N. Pujar as a member of a Scheduled Tribe, Horatti, in his capacity as an elected official, exploited his power and persuaded officials in 2009 to register Sarvodaya Shikshana Trust in Dharwad under his name.
"This conduct is unlawful and has led to the economic marginalization of Scheduled Tribes. It has exposed Scheduled Tribes and others to exploitation. Those entitled to benefit from the trust's educational and employment services have been deprived of their rights under Article 14 of the Indian Constitution," the complaint stated.
However, in January 2022, responding to a complaint from the Akhila Karnataka Valmiki Nayaka Mahasabha, the Karnataka Police filed an FIR against Horatti and five others at the Dharwad Rural Police Station. The complainant alleged that when Mahasabha members inspected schools in Dharwad, Horatti's followers assaulted them.
Horatti was named as the fifth accused in this conflict regarding the management of the Trust.
The complaint further indicated that members were subjected to abuse, faced casteist insults, and their vehicle was vandalized during the incident.
The FIR against Horatti was met with backlash, prompting Members of the Legislative Council to demand the suspension of the Superintendent of Police and Police Inspector in Dharwad.
Subsequently, the Karnataka Police Department suspended Police Inspector Sridhar Satare from the Dharwad Rural Police Station for filing an FIR against Horatti.
Basavaraj Horatti is recognized as an eight-time MLC and a leader of the BJP.
