Assault on valveman: Colleagues stage stir

High drama:

Pourakarmikas and staff of the City Municipal Council resorted to a snap strike and staged a demonstration in the council premises on Tuesday, protesting against alleged assault on a valveman by the CMC member Bangari Manju. They ended their protest after the councillor tendered unconditional apology.

According to sources, Bangari Manju ‘assaulted’ the valveman, Maliligowda on Sunday evening over the release of water to a hotel on Kasturabha Road. The staff had given a letter to the CMC president seeking action against the councillor.

The victim said he was pushed and abused in unparliamentary words. The staff wanted action on the councillor and owner of the hotel.

Although, CMC president C R Shankar and member, K T Prakash tried to pacify the agitators, the latter said they would not call off their strike till Manju tender apology. At last, the president asked Manju to come to the spot.

The accused councillor said he did not assault anybody. In fact, he called up Malaligowda following complaints from residents of his ward over non-release of water.

The valveman spoke arrogantly and this was followed by a wordy duel. Later, he changed his version and tendered apology for his behaviour. Even Shankar and Prakash also tendered apology on behalf of everybody.

The president said he received complaints that some employees were behaving in a very arrogant manner with the citizens. They should work in responsible manner, he added.