Campaign at temple: Plaint against Cong nominee

The city police filed an FIR against Bengaluru Central Congress candidate Rizwan Arshad and his associates for campaigning at Kodandarama temple in Doddanekundi near HAL premises during Rama Navami without prior permission from the authorities concerned.

The HAL police booked Arshad and others under Representation of People Act, following a complaint filed by Venkatesh C, model code of conduct flying squad officer, on April 15.

Venkatesh stated in his complaint, “We got a tip-off that Rizwan Arshad had come with his supporters to Kodandarama temple in Doddanakundi on Saturday, April 13, around 5 pm for the election campaign as hundreds of people had gathered to celebrate Rama Navami. When asked about the permission from the authorities concerned, one of his associates said that they had take permission for the campaign.” “But we found it suspicious and called up the taluk office over the phone to cross-check. We received a reply stating that neither Rizwan Arshad had sought permission from them nor they had given any permission,” he stated in the complaint.

Later, Venkatesh stopped Arshad from campaigning and he was asked to leave the premises along with his associates. A report was filed about the incident and later, a complaint was filed with HAL police seeking action.