Ex-VHP leader Khandya detained under Goonda Act

Praveen Khandya, a former leader of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and an accused in 33 criminal cases, has been detained under the Goonda Act and sent to the Kalaburagi prison on Sunday morning.

Based on an order passed by Chikkamagaluru Deputy Commissioner G Satyavathi, the police picked him up from his home at Khandya near Balehonnur and sent him to the Kalaburagi prison, Superintendent of Police K Annamalai said.

Khandya is the prime accused in the recent suicide of DySP Kallappa Handibag and kidnap of businessman Tejas Gowda.

The police had twice submitted a report to the deputy commissioner to book him under the Goonda Act as he was involved in anti-social activities. The previous deputy
commissioners had reportedly rejected the reports as Khandya enjoyed political patronage.