BJP Leader NR Ramesh and BBMP Chief Engineer BS Prahallad (pic source: Facebook)
CJ Oka takes note of FIR after it was brought to his notice by BBMP Chief Engineer BS Prahallad’s counsel
BENGALURU:
The ongoing legal dispute between BBMP Chief Engineer BS Prahallad and BJP leader NR Ramesh took a new twist on Monday when Karnataka High Court Chief Justice AS Oka sought an action-taken report (ATR) on a threat complaint filed by the then BBMP Yelahanka zone Joint Commissioner Sarfaraz Khan against Ramesh.
The bench comprising Chief Justice Oka and Justice Suraj Govindaraj ordered the Advocate-General to submit an ATR on the FIR filed by Sarfaraz Khan against Ramesh (FIR No. 92/2015).
Hearing WP No 15780/2020, advocate Nagendra Naik appearing for BBMP Chief Engineer Prahallad submitted copies of the FIR in which it is alleged that Ramesh had threatened the then Joint Commissioner Sarfaraz Khan.
Responding, CJ Oka said that it was a serious allegation made by BBMP’s Chief Engineer and the court would like to know the action initiated on the FIR filed in 2015. Oka directed submission of an ATR by June 30.
‘Prahallad favoured’
Meanwhile, advocate Aswathappa D, representing NR Ramesh, tried to defend the claims made against Prahallad on various charges, saying that despite pending inquiries against him, he had been given plum postings in BBMP. Aswathappa also said that the state government was moving to merge two wings of BBMP — Road Infrastructure and Projects — and a move had been initiated to make Prahallad Engineer-in-Chief.
The CJ said the court would continue with the hearing. Once the ATR was heard, the court will also look into other issues and documents placed before it, he added.
Read Here: White-topping row: BJP leader ‘determined’ to prosecute BBMP Engineer https://thebengalurulive.com/white-topping-row-bjp-leader-determined-to-prosecute-bbmp-engineer/
Also Read: Court battle between BBMP engineer, ex-corporator set to escalate
Also Read: White-topping scam may drag in former Chief Secretary https://thebengalurulive.com/white-topping-scam-may-drag-in-former-chief-secretary/
What was in the 2015 FIR?
As per the FIR filed by Sarfaraz Khan: “On 27.05.2015, I was on duty. At about 1.06 pm, Shri NR Ramesh, ex-corporator, ward No 167, Yediyur ward, called up on my mobile 9448111066 and abused me, asking for details about laying of cables in ward no. 2, Harohalli limits. He said that unauthorised permission was given for road cutting and to lay the OFC cables. He said, “Do you have any information about this? Have you taken any measures? What is your duty? Who has given you the permission? Who has given you the post of Joint Commissioner?” in a threatening way. He used unconstitutional words against me. He called up once again at 2.14 pm and said, “You are a Muslim? Have you come from Pakistan? I will lodge a complaint against you in Lokayukta and BMTF.” He threatened me with the above words. He asked for a detailed report on laying of unauthorised OFC cables and measures taken against it in ward no. 2, Harohalli limits.”
What does NR Ramesh say?
Responding to TheBengaluruLive‘s call after the court hearing, NR Ramesh accepted that he had made a phone call to Sarfaraz Khan in 2015 asking him about the illegal road-cutting on the newly laid roads to lay OFC cables in Yelahanka after a television reporter had alerted him. But a ‘B’ report has been filed in the case, he added.
Ramesh said there are serious allegations against Prahallad and to save himself he is making false allegations against him (Ramesh). “There is documentary evidence in which former Chief Secretary TM Vijay Bhaskar had also ascertained that promotions should not be given to the Prahallad but despite that he has been promoted. Bhaskar has also been made a party to the case. Moreover, just two days back Prahallad was made Chief Engineer for the Bengaluru Smart City project illegally. BBMP does not have any stake in the Smart City project and BBMP’s Deputy Commissioner (Admin) Lingamurthy has issued his posting orders on just a recommendation letter issued by ACS (UDD) Rakesh Singh. All these documents will be placed in the court,” Ramesh added.
Read Here: BS Prahallad is now Bengaluru Smart City project Chief Engineer https://thebengalurulive.com/bs-prahallad-is-now-bengaluru-smart-city-project-chief-engineer/
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