Three ministers received threat calls from underworld don Ravi Poojari: Dr. G Parameshwar
BENGALURU: Home minister Dr. G. Parameshwar admitted in the Legislative Council on Thursday that three of his cabinet colleagues—forest minister Ramanath Rai, health minister U T Khader and sports minister Abhaychandra Jain—and two MLAs received life threats from underworld don Ravi Poojari.
In his reply to Ivan D'Souza’s question, he said Ravi Poojari and Bannanje Raja have threatened politicians and businessman. Besides, Ravi Poojari also threatened Haladi Srinivasa Shetty and Sambaji Patil, both MLAs, and businessmen Vijay Sankeshwar and Siddaratha R. Mehta. The state government has sought the help of Interpol to nab Ravi Poojari, and a red- corner notice was issued against him. The state government has taken serious note of his activities and would not spare once arrested, said Dr Parameshwar.
He said police have registered 61 cases of life threat and extortion against Ravi Poojari, and 60 cases against Bannanje Raja. Cases were registered against Bannanje Raja in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi district police stations. Eight criminal cases were registered against another underworld don Yogesh Bangera, two cases filed against Hebbettu Manja and one case registered against Vikky Shetty. Two persons had died during recent gangwar in Dakshina Kannada district, he added.
Meanwhile, Congress member D'Souza objected to deployment of gunmen around right wing leaders know for making inflammatory speeches, and urged the government to withdraw their security cover. The home minister, however, assured that local police officers would initiate action against those who disturb peace.
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