Govt asked to probe alleged ill-treatment of BJP MLA at

Karnataka Assembly Speaker Ramesh Kumar Wednesday directed the government to look into the alleged ill-treatment meted out to an MLA at a government fuction recently.

He said respect and prestige of the House was of utmost importance, and MLAs were its integral part.

Kumar warned against repeat of such incidents in future.

The speaker made these remarks in the State Assembly as Bantwal BJP MLA Rajesh Naik narrated an incident where he was allegedly ill-treated during the inauguration of the 'Indira Canteen' (subsidised canteens run by the government) in his constituency, over which he had presided.

He alleged that slogans were raised against him by a group of people and he was manhandled in the presence of district in-charge minister. Later when he complained to the police, his case was not taken up, Naik said.

Taking strong exception to this, the speaker said "I may take it up as a privilege (issue) next time. Dont give that opportunity...elected representatives should be given respect."