Cong. worker shoots to scare BJP cadre near Hoskote

In a suspected incident of publicity-mongering, a man, said to be a worker of the Congress party, squeezed off two rounds of his revolver at Hunasenahalli near Hoskote on Wednesday.

Another man present at the spot, said to be from the Opposition BJP, claimed that the shots were fired to intimidate him.

But the Bengaluru Rural police, who took up a case of attempt to murder, including sections in the Arms Act, suspect that the entire thing could have been stage-managed.

No one was injured in the incident, which happened at an isolated road between Kodihalli and Hunasenahalli, as the bullets pierced a nearby tree.

"We picked up two versions of the story during our inquiry," a senior police officer said. "Ramaiah, the alleged victim, claimed that he was targeted by the ruling party worker Janardhan. Janardhan, for his part, said he had to fire in the air to protect himself from an attack by Ramaiah."

Both Janardhan and Ramaiah live in Kodihalli and are known to each other. Ramaiah worked in Janardhan's office before the two parted company.

The ballistic team summoned to the spot were able to find just a solitary cartridge.

The Bengaluru Rural police said Janardhan's licensed revolver was one of the 700 firearms yet to be surrendered to the police as required by the election model code of conduct.

"We have over 3,600 licensed firearms in our area," revealed a senior police officer. "Among them, 2,900 holders of licensed weapons have turned in their guns and we are in the process of collecting the rest."

Janardhan had presented an application at the district commissioner's office, seeking exemption from handing over his gun since his family is facing threats in his village. The shooting happened just when the police were considering the application.

"The Thirumalashetty police have registered a case, and we have booked the accused for attempt to murder and sections under the Arms Act," Superintendent of Police, Bengaluru Rural, Bheemashankar S Guled said.

"Our ballistic team led by the Additional Superintendent of Police, who is supervising things at the spot, will ascertain whose version of the incident is true," he added.