NICE CASE: We will give protection to complainant, says Mirji

Bangalore City Commissioner of Police Jyothiprakash Mirji today appeared before the Lokayukta court in pursuant to its directions.

Mirji, who was present at three pm, submitted before Lokayukta court judge N K Sudhindra Rao that he would provide the requisite protection to complainant T J Abraham.

"It is our duty to give protection and we will give protection. We have utmost regard for the court and will obey the court order in toto". At this the counsel for the complainant, K V Dhananjay prayed to give a direction to Mirji to give a written undertaking that he will give protection, to which Mirji said "don't you have faith in us".

Dhananjay then appealed to Mirji to be sensitive to the needs of those who come before this court to which he (Mirji) said "it depends on individual case". Earlier the Judge told Mirji to look into the merits of a case and give appropriate protection to the complainants who come before the court.

The court then adjourned to January 5, the matter alleging irregularities in the Bangalore- Mysore Express Highway project undertaken by Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprise (NICE) and its sister concerns.

Later speaking to reporters outside the court premises, Mirji said "I did not receive any summons from the court. I came to the court after reading reports in the press. I have highest regard for the court and will abide by its direction". The Lokayukta court had yesterday summoned Mirji to be present today in connection with the application filed by social activist T J Abraham that he (COP) had allegedly failed to act on the representation given by Abraham seeking security as he was facing threat to his life.