JOIN USCops to leave for Goa to trace 'absconding' Kashappanavar
Hungund MLA Vijayananda Kashappanavar, who is at large since a case was booked against him for allegedly assaulting two policemen on Wednesday, is said to be ‘hiding’ in Goa.
“We have credible information that the MLA is in Goa. A police team will leave for Goa to secure him,” said a senior police officer involved in the investigation.
Meanwhile, Bangalore City Police Commissioner Raghavendra Auradkar has transferred the case registered in Cubbon Park police station to the Central Crime Branch (CCB) for investigation. A special team headed by an assistant commissioner of police has been constituted. The team will intensify the search operation from Saturday to trace the MLA
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A police team that went to Hungund and searched for Kashappanavar at various places failed to trace him. The mobile phones that he was using are switched off.
It is said that the MLA fled to Goa from Bangalore and did not visit his native place. He is considering legal options and will appear in public once he gets anticipatory bail, said sources.
An application seeking anticipatory bail for him was moved in the first Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court in Bangalore on Friday. The application is likely to come up for hearing on Saturday.
The charges levelled against the MLA include, illegal assembly, assault and obstructing a public servant from discharging his duties. He might get bail for the first three offences, but it is difficult to get bail for the fourth offence, obstructing a public servant from discharging his duties. If proved, he can be jailed for two years, the police said.
Meanwhile, the Excise Department served a notice on the Skyye Bar on Friday.
Bangalore South Division Deputy Commissioner of Excise Shailaja served the notice, seeking clarification for the violation of deadline on Tuesday night.
The outlet should stop operations by 11.30 pm, except Fridays and Saturdays, but it was open till 1 am on Wednesday. Hence, the notice was served, said sources.