Cops want compromise formula; lawyers to meet today

Rally in support of inspector; advocates boycott court third day too

At a meeting held on Wednesday evening between the members of Bar Association and police officers, the latter is learnt to have mooted the idea of arriving at a compromise.

The meeting that lasted one-and-a-half-hour starting from 5.30 pm, was attended by Bar Association president C Appajigowda representing the fraternity and DCP (law and order) Basavaraj Malagathi on behalf of the police.

Sources told Deccan Herald, police are particular in putting an end to the issue, besides maintaining the cordial relation with the advocates in future too. The association has bought a day’s time to come out with a reply only after discussing the matter with the fellow lawyers on Thursday. With this, the meeting scheduled for the day assumes significance.

However, the advocates persistent demand for the suspension of Metagalli Police Inspector H M Mahadevappa is turned down, confirmed a source. On Wednesday too, the advocates boycotted court for the third consecutive day in protest of the incident. They formed a human chain near Mahatama Gandhiji’s bust in front of Law Court’s complex, before dispersing from the spot. 

They had set a deadline till 5 pm for the police chief to act on their demand for Inspector’s suspension. 

On the other hand, residents of Metagalli, Hebbal and surrounding areas, besides Hunsur totalling 200 staged a demonstration in front of the office of DC in support of the inspector. The protesters led by Suresh Gowda a leader of Hunsur Okkaligara Vedike formed a human chain at Field Marshal K M Cariappa circle.

They also petitioned the deputy commissioner exhorting the latter not to consider the demand of the advocates.

Cop files complaint

Padmanabh, a police constable  on special branch (SB) duty at Lakshmipuram police station who had to taste the wrath of the protesters on Tuesday, has lodged a complaint at the same police station. He has given the names of five advocates who manhandled him besides snatching away his handy cam and also walkie-talkie, though handed over later. A case has been registered and the advocates have been booked under various charges.

The Inspector had booked advocate D M Gangadharappa under molestation, threat and other charges, besides detaining him, triggering the issue.