In yet another embarrassment to the ruling Congress, one of its block party presidents allegedly went on a rampage in a civic office, poured petrol on the premises and threatened to set it on fire after officials refused to register a disputed property in his name. Though the incident took place on Friday at the BBMP ward office, Horamavu, it was only after a video clip of the attack went viral on Tuesday that BBMP officials filed a police complaint.
The accused, Narayanaswamy, a close associate of Byrati Basavaraj, K.R. Puram MLA, has been suspended from his post as K.R. Puram Block Congress party president, and is absconding. He is also a member of the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board.
This incident comes at a time when the State Congress is still reeling from the fallout of the police arresting and charging Mohammed Nalapad Haris — son of N.A. Haris, MLA — for attacking a patron of a restaurant.
Friday’s instance of alleged abuse of power by the party leader came to light after a staffer at the ward office video recorded the attack and sent it to the media. The clip shows Mr. Narayanaswamy shouting at Assistant Revenue Officer Chengal Rayappa, demanding that a khata (a revenue document related to be property) be registered. Civic officials informed the police that Mr. Narayanaswamy had demanded registration of a property under litigation.
When Mr. Rayappa refused saying it was illegal, a furious Mr. Narayanaswamy abused the revenue officer, sprayed petrol using a plastic bottle he had with him, and threatened to burn down the office.
Soon after, Mr. Rayappa was transferred. However, a senior BBMP official said that the transfer was not related to the incident.
“The ARO is a local resident and as per rules, he cannot be deployed for election duty in the area of his residence. That was the reason for his transfer,” said the official.
Based on a complaint filed by BBMP revenue officer Satish Kumar on Tuesday afternoon, the jurisdictional Ramamurthynagar police have registered a case against him under Section 504 (intentional insult to provoke breach of peace), 506 (criminal intimidation ), 341 (wrongful restraint), 427 (causing mischief), and 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant to discharge duties) of the Indian Penal Code.
“The police have formed a special team to track down Mr. Narayanaswamy, and he will be arrested soon,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police, East division, Ajay Hilori.
The BBMP employees union strongly condemned the incident demanding strict action against Mr. Narayanaswamy. Before civic officials filed a police complaint, the association questioned police inaction asking why suo motu action had not been taken against Mr. Narayanaswamy soon after the video went viral.
