Assault of constables, BJP demands arrest of Cong MLA

Opposition BJP members in the Karnataka Assembly today made a vociferous demand for the arrest of a ruling Congress MLA, who is facing a criminal case along with his six supporters for alleged assault of two police constables in a midnight bar brawl.

Raising the issue, opposition BJP leader Jagadish Shettar said the conduct of Vijayanand Kashpannavar, who is facing the charge, was "highly condemnable" and demanded his immediate arrest while accusing government of shielding him.

A case of assault has been registered against Kashappanavar and his six supporters for allegedly attacking constables - Kiran Kumar and Prashanth Naik - at a high-profile bar when they objected to a party that was continuing past midnight on July 2.

Shettar alleged that the government was protecting the legislator by not arresting him. "His conduct has demoralised the police force. The government should trace Kashappanavar and bring him to book," he said.

The former Chief Minister said the Speaker Kagodu Thimappa should take up the issue before the Question Hour as it is a very serious matter involving a member of the House.

"It is your (Thimappa) bounden duty to summon the legislator to the House who has been "absconding" to avoid impending punishment. The issue is in the public domain. It is serious," Shettar said.

Shettar said the law and order situation in the state has been deteriorating with such incidents coming to light.

He also flayed the absence of Home Minister K J George and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the House when such a serious law and order issue has been raised by the opposition.

Shettar said only recently a similar incident took place when another Congress MLA Byrathi Basavaraj allegedly slapped a traffic constable at Jeevanahalli.

Intervening, K Gopala Poojary (Cong) said the conduct of the Congress legislator was much better than that of some BJP members who (when their party was in power) were caught watching porn pictures on their smartphones during session.

This prompted BJP members to spring to their feet and strongly protest against government for "failing" to arrest Kashappanavar and demanded a discussion on the issue before the Question Hour.

Amidst the din, the Speaker adjourned the proceedings of the House for half an hour.