Clash between two groups during a kabaddi match in Bhadravathi; MLA’s son arrested

Shimoga: Two days after Speaker Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri suspended Congress MLA BK Sangameshwara, Congress MLa from Bhadravathi, for a week for the ‘disrespectful act’ of removing his shirt inside the assembly his was arrested by the police on Saturday, March 5 in connection with a clash between two groups during a kabaddi match in Bhadravathi.

Five people were injured in a clash between two groups on February 27 at Kanaka Mantapa grounds, where a two-day kabaddi tourney was held.

Following the clash, leaders of both the BJP and the Congress took out protest rallies accusing each other. The BJP leaders alleged that supporters of Congress MLA B.K. Sangameshwara assaulted BJP workers for raising “Jai Sriram” slogans. Later, the MLA accused the BJP of dividing people. Both groups have filed complaints with the police.

It may berecalled that Sangameshwara, 58 had rushed to the Speaker’s podium during assembly sessions and removed his shirt before shouting slogans against chief minister BS Yediyurappa and his family.

Kageri took strong exception to it: “As a senior MLA, is this how you behave? You’re insulting your voters.” He told opposition leader Siddaramaiah: “Your party has ruled for long; look at the way your members conduct themselves. Is this the way to behave? This kind of indiscipline cannot be tolerated.” He then briefly adjourned the House.