Sitting ZP member dies of assault injuries in Hassan

Neelappa had sustained grievous injuries in an assault on him four months ago. He had been undergoing treatment at a hospital in Bangalore since then. His condition further worsened as he slipped to coma. Recently, Neelappa was shifted from the Bangalore hospital to Hassan.

As the news of his death spread, Neelappa’s supporters thronged the hospital only to give vent to their anguish. They demanded for the arrest of Kumara and Esha who had been apprehended then for attempt to murder Neelappa. The enraged people further alleged that the duo had acted at the behest of Swamygowda who is contesting the polls on JD(S) ticket.

They took out the body of Neelappa in a procession on a tractor, up to ZP office, before moving towards the office of Deputy Commissioner. They re-iterated their demand, only to resume the procession towards Bhoovanahalli, the native of Neelappa. Villagers including women stopped the tractor and the police jeep that was escorting the body. They squatted in front of the vehicles daring the cops to disperse them, until the authorities initiated action on their demand. When continuous efforts by police to broker peace went in vain, MLA H S Prakash arrived at the village. He was soon joined by Additional Superintendent of Police K Yellappa, who promised to arrest the accused on bail, within 24 hours much to the satisfaction of the protesters, who withdrew their protest.