JD(S) MLA releases Manju's tape threatening official

HASSAN: A telephonic conversation between Hassan district in-charge and Minister for Animal Husbandry and Sericulture A. Manju and Assistant Director of Animal Husbandry department Mohan Das, held on January 7 this year, was released by JD(S) MLA of Hassan H.S. Prakash on Thursday in which the MLA claims that Mr Manju allegedly threatened Mr Mohan Das, his brother, unnecessarily.

The warning from the Minister made Mohan Das quit the job by opting for VRS, charges the MLA. At a press conference here, Mr Prakash released a conversation clip recorded on a mobile phone in which Mr Manju was reportedly heard speaking to Mohan Das and telling him that there were complaints against him and complainants have photographed him while accepting bribes. In turn, Mohan Das asked Mr Manju to disclose the names of persons who had complained against him to which Mr Manju replies, “If I disclose the names, then you will book them and settle the case.” Mr Manju asks Mohan Das to mend his ways or else he would be transferred.

Mr Prakash said he had kept quiet all these days not to politicize the audio clip matter but since the Minister is making efforts to shift the Veterinary Polyclinic from Hassan city to Arkalgudu town, “It was the right moment to bring the matter to public notice.” Mr Prakash wanted Mr Manju to come out with proof against Mr Mohan Das. After Mr Manju spoke to him and threatened to transfer Mohan Das, he quit the job.

Later, Holenarsipur MLA H.D. Revanna criticized Mr Manju for warning an upright official. Responding to this, Mr Manju said he had every right to warn officials of his department for any wrongdoing and he had nothing to do with Mohan Das opting for VRS.