The Karnataka Pradesh Mahila Congress Committee organised a protest here on Tuesday seeking an inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the alleged sexual misconduct by the former Minister Hartalu Halappa.
Senior leaders of the Belgaum District Congress Committee, including president S.S. Bhiammannavar and L.B. Karale, participated in the procession.
Office-bearers of the Belgaum district and city Mahila Congress also participated in the protest.
Memorandum
Karnataka Pradesh Mahila Congress Committee general secretary Laxmi Hebbalkar, who led a procession from Rani Channamma Circle, submitted a memorandum to Governor H.R. Bhardwaj through the Deputy Commissioner. Ms. Hebbalkar said that women were not treated properly in society after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in the State.
‘No control'
There were many instances to prove that the Bharatiya Janata Party Government in the State had no control over law and order, she said.
The alleged sexual misconduct by Mr. Halappa was disgraceful and had brought disrepute to the State, Ms. Hebbalkar said.
Criminal case
The State Government should register a criminal case against the former Minister and hand over the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation, Ms. Hebbalkar said.
The Congress party brought people, including some children, from nearby villages to participate in the protest march in the city.
Not aware
A senior Congress leader in Belgaum district told The Hindu that he was not aware of who had brought children for a political protest.
The Congress leader said that he would bring the matter to the notice of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee.
