NGO activist's arrest triggers heated debate

In a late night arrest, Lakshmipuram police took a NGO activist into their custody at Periyapatna on Saturday.

However, it triggered a heated debate among fellow activists, who suspect foul play for arresting the activist, who is vested with magisterial powers for being a member of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC).

Parashuram of Stanley-Parshu duo of Odanadi Seva Samsthe, a NGO working for the welfare of distraught women, was arrested on charges of atrocity.

However, Parashuram, who complained of uneasiness, was admitted to the emergency ward at K R Hospital later.

Following a complaint by a woman called Vanajakshi, who had charged Parashuram of abusing her on the court premises recently, a police team, led by ACP (K R Sub-division) B T Kavita, arrested Parashuram.

Stanley and Parashuram had helped the police bust a human trafficking racket involving a BEO a couple of months ago.

Parashuram, who was deposing before a court here, as witness in the case, had been allegedly restrained by Vanajakshi and her husband Manjunath alias ‘Santro’ Ravi from appearing as witness in the case.

 Ravi, who is a proclaimed offender, is facing several charges as a pimp and had been arrested by Yelwal police earlier.

It was again due to the concerted efforts of the police and the NGO, Ravi had been arrested. However, after walking out of jail in April last, Ravi had allegedly hatched a conspiracy as a vengeance against Stanley and Parashuram.

Documents

According to the documents produced by Odanadi, Vanajakshi is a fictitious name as Ravi’s wife is known by the name Chandrika.

 The couple have a daughter by name Shivani. NGO activists suspect unholy nexus between the police and Ravi behind the arrest of Parashuram.

Soon after Parashuram’s arrest, there was a hue and cry from fellow activists, who termed it as illegal. Parashuram is a member of the CWC and is vested with the powers of a First Class Magistrate.

A permission from the High Court is a must to arrest such a person.

However, in this case, it is alleged that the police blatantly violated the law to accomplish their task.

When contacted, DCP (Law and order) A N Rajanna denied any breach of law on their part in the arrest of Parashuram.

 He will be produced before the court only after seeking an opinion from the doctors, who are treating him, Rajanna said. Contrary to the claims made by the activists, sources said, CWC as a body has magisterial powers, while the members do not enjoy it.