Miscreants set fire to ex-GP chief's house

Police said miscreants set fire to the house of former chairperson of gram panchayat, Jayamma. The door and roof of the house were damaged in the fire which was doused after residents cried for help.

The trouble began on Friday morning, when the cattle belonging to Jayamma were drinking water from a tank near the borewell. Mollegowda came to the spot and allegedly assaulted Jayamma’s husband, Basavashetty.  Eregowda, another villager who went to the rescue of Basavashetty was also reportedly roughed up by Mollegowda.  Around 10 pm, Mollegowda with his henchmen went to the house of Eregowda’s brother, Basavaraj who is contesting the gram panchayat elections. He too was assaulted. The police suspected that ‘political rivalry’ may be the reason for the attack. Both Basavashetty and Basavaraj have filed a case against Mollegowda and his supporters. Mollegowda has also lodged complaint alleging assault by Eregowda. The police have registered both the cases and are investigating. Police are camping in the village.