Is There a Threat to the Municipal Commissioner? Police Search for Congress Leader as Women's Panel Demands Action
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka police are actively searching for Rajeev Gowda.
- The Karnataka State Women's Commission has condemned the threats.
- Rajeev Gowda's disappearance raises concerns about accountability.
- Women in public service face significant challenges.
- Legal actions are being urged to ensure justice.
Bengaluru, Jan 15 (NationPress) The Karnataka police initiated a search on Thursday for a Congress leader accused of verbally abusing and threatening a Municipal Commissioner over the removal of a banner. Simultaneously, the Karnataka State Women's Commission has expressed strong disapproval of the alleged episode and is calling for legal action.
A recent audio clip purportedly featuring a Congress leader from Chikkaballapur district has sparked significant backlash, as it allegedly shows him threatening and hurling insults at a female Municipal Commissioner.
The individual in question is local Congress leader Rajeev Gowda, who reportedly directed threats and abusive language at Amrutha Gowda, the Municipal Commissioner of Sidlaghatta, during a phone call. Rajeev Gowda serves as a KPCC state coordinator and was a defeated Congress candidate in the Sidlaghatta Assembly elections.
Chairperson of the Karnataka State Women's Commission, Nagalaxmi Choudhary, commented on the situation, stating, "No individual, regardless of their public standing, is above the law. The Karnataka State Commission for Women condemns any form of abusive language and intimidation directed at a female officer.
"In the case concerning CMC Commissioner Amrutha, we have instructed the relevant authorities to pursue adequate legal measures and compile a report. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards the harassment of women."
The Karnataka police have formed three specialized teams to locate Rajeev Gowda, who has reportedly gone into hiding following the filing of an FIR and protests from workers supporting Commissioner Amrutha Gowda.
Several senior female officials have also raised complaints against Rajeev Gowda with local JD(S) MLA B.N. Ravikumar and Chikkaballapura District In Charge Minister M.C. Sudhakar regarding his abusive conduct.
Police operations are being led by a team under Anand Kumar, a Circle Inspector at Sidlaghatta Police Station, alongside Chintamani Rural Police Station Inspector Shivaraj, and Cyber Police Station PI Suryaprakash.
Rajeev Gowda has reportedly gone missing due to fears of arrest, with his mobile devices turned off.
Police teams have been deployed in various locations including Indiranagar in Bengaluru, Sanjay Nagar, and at Kempegowda International Airport as part of the effort to apprehend the accused, according to police sources.
According to allegations, Rajeev Gowda became furious over the removal of an illegally placed banner and threatened the Commissioner using derogatory language. The Municipal Commissioner has submitted a complaint stating that these threats occurred after the municipal team took action against the unauthorized banner.