Karnataka   

26 persons arrested for violation of code of conduct

KOLAR: Actions initiated by election authorities in the district in the last few of days to enforce a model code of conduct has caused one political group to demand disciplinary action against some police officials. Police have arrested 26 people in connection with alleged manhandling of election staff on Thursday at Vemgal under Kolar Assembly constituency. Election officer M.S. Archana and Deputy Superintendent of Police V. Muni Reddy had rushed to the village on complaints of violation of code of conduct at a function.

R. Varthur Prakash, a strong contender for the Congress ticket from Kolar, was reportedly attending a foundation stone-laying ceremony for a community hall at Dharmarayaswamy temple. This was videographed under the supervision of local Sub-Inspector Srikantha, which was not objected to by the crowd.

However, when another person, assigned by the election officer, started taking videos of the function, people began to protest. In the commotion the camera was damaged. Police resorted to lathi charge to control the mob and took 26 persons into custody. A case was filed against Mr. Prakash for alleged violation of code of conduct.

Officials had seized chairs and other paraphernalia used for public meetings organised by Mr. Prakash at some villages in the taluk on Wednesday. It was seized because prior permission had not been taken.

According to Mr. Prakash, the police were acting at the behest for former MLA K. Srinivas Gowda. In a complaint lodged with the Chief Election Officer of the State, Mr. Prakash urged the Government to suspend or transfer Mr. Muni Reddy and Sub-Inspector Srikantha for their alleged excesses.

But Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer G. Ramachandra said That the civil and police officers took necessary measures only after confirming that there was a violation of code of conduct.

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