Even before the Congress formed the Government in Karnataka, several post-poll violence incidences were observed across the state. Among the incidents are attack on an autorickshaw driver based on the party he voted for, attack on a BJP leader’s nephew and a murder of a BJP leader.
Harish Rao, an autorickshaw driver in Shivamogga was allegedly assaulted and his rickshaw was damaged for saying that he voted for BJP. According to reports, he was casually driving his rickshaw when he was confronted by three miscreants who asked him whom he voted for. When he replied that he voted for BJP, Harish alleged that the windshield of his rickshaw was smashed, the roof torn and he was assaulted by the miscreants. Harish named Nazru, Abraar and another person as culprits and even claimed that they threatened to kill him.
Harish then met Former Minister K. S. Eshwarappa and sought support. Eshwarappa paid Harish a sum of Rs. 20,000 as compensation for the damage and requested the Superintendent of Police to provide security to Harish.
A case of murder was observed in Hosakote Taluk of Bengaluru Rural District. Krishnappa (55) was brutally hacked with an axe during a Congress victory celebration. Sources said that several Congress workers were bursting firecrackers outside Krishnappa’s house as a part of the victory celebration. Soon, Krishnappa raised an objection. A heated debate ensued which led to Krishnappa being attacked by an axe. He met his demise on the spot. Krishnappa’s wife and son who came to the aid of Krishnappa were also attacked with the axe.
At the moment, the mother and son seem to be critical. Meanwhile, the accused have been named as Ganesh, Aditya, Harish and Chennakeshava.
On the day of vote counting, an attack was captured on CCTV camera at the residence of one Anil Reddy. Anil is the brother of Sarvagnanagar BJP Candidate in Bengaluru, Padmanabha Reddy.
The CCTV footage shows two miscreants setting fire to a motorcycle parked in the garage of Anil’s residence. They are seen running outside with a bottle of petrol immediately after setting the bike ablaze.
Police sources have identified the accused as Hafeez and Mubarak who have now been arrested. Sources also claimed that Anil’s son was assaulted during this incident.
Another incident of post-poll violence was witnessed in Bhatkal constituency after a group of about 15 Congress workers stormed the residence of BJP Leader Ramachandra Naik.