Prema Kumari booked for extortion bid

In a significant development pertaining to the controversy involving former minister S A Ramdas and Prema Kumari Jadeda M, police have registered an extortion case against the latter.

 In his statement to Kuvempunagar police from his hospital bed on Friday night, Ramdas had recorded an eight-page statement, according to Police Commissioner M A Saleem.

Saleem said: “Ramdas has blamed Prema Kumari of trying to extort him. Following this, Prema Kumari has been booked under Sections 384 and 511 of IPC. However, he is not telling it clearly about his suicide attempt. He has sought time till his recovery to come back to the police to record his statement further.”

 The immigration authorities in the State have been alerted about Ramdas’ plans to fly abroad, as he is facing heinous charges. This follows the rumours about the possibilities of former minister S A Ramdas flying to Singapore. However, a close relative of BJP leader denied to confirm anything on the matter.

 Embattled Ramdas who was discharged from the hospital late on Friday night drove straight to his Gokulam residence in City. However, on Saturday morning, he is learnt to have gone to Bangalore to one of his relatives place. Ramdas’ elder brother and sister stay in Bangalore. On the other hand, there were also rumours about Prema Kumari attempting to immolate self after pouring kerosene. However, it too turned out to be hoax later.

Delayed discharge

Though authorities at Apollo-BGS Hospitals had decided to discharge Ramdas around 6.30 pm, relatives and supporters sought to delay it further to avoid media. Ramdas was eventually out of hospital around 10.30 pm. The bill of Rs 1.02 lakh had been settled anticipating his early discharge, a source said.