Bengaluru: An alleged assault on a youth by a group of men led by Mohammed Haris Nalapad, son of Shanthinagar Congress MLA, N.A. Haris here Saturday night, has taken a political turn with the BJP and AAP workers holding dharnas seeking the arrest of the culprits.
Close on the heels of this incident, to avoid a major embarrassment in an election year, KPCC President Dr G Parameshwar announced the expulsion of Mohammed Haris Nalapad, general secretary of the Bengaluru Youth Congress from the party for six years. Tweeting on this incident, Dr Parameshwar said, “Atrocities in any form will not be tolerated in the Congress. Legal action has been taken against those responsible. The victim will get justice".
KPCC Working President Dinesh Gundurao tweeted " Ghastly incident..nobody is above law..police have to take strict action and arrest all concerned, whosoever they may be. Also Mohammed Haris Nalapad will be expelled from the Congress for his involvement in this terrible act. Condemn in the strongest words”.
Taking note of the incident, State BJP chief B.S. Yeddyurappa tweeted “I am appalled and strongly condemn the ghastly attack by Hari's son on Vidwath. Bengaluru City Police Commissioner must arrest the culprit and his goons to restore public confidence in rule of law. Congress MLA must counsel his absconding son to surrender”.
State JD(S) chief H.D. Kumaraswamy too condemned the assault and said the delay in bringing the culprits to book had given a feeling that the cops were under pressure from the ruling Congress against taking action against the accused. "The accused may be an MLA's son...but none of them are above the law," he added.
Former deputy chief minister and BJP MLA R Ashok and MP P.C. Mohan visited the hospital to enquire about the condition of the victim. Realising the sensitivity of the case, Home Minister R Ramalinga Reddy too called on the injured man and assured prompt action against Mohammed Nalapad and his associates.
Meanwhile, Haris said he would not defend his son as law was the same for everyone. " After coming to know about the incident, I visited the hospital to enquire about Vidwath's condition. I also scolded my son for his behaviour and since then, he has switched off his mobile phone and has not returned home. Police have already registered an FIR against my son, Be it my son or anyone else, the law will take its own course. But, no child must put his/her father in an embarrassing situation like me. I also met Vidwath's parents and offered an apology on behalf of my son. No party must try to derive mileage from this incident.”
