A video clip of C.S. Puttaraju, MP for Mandya, purportedly issuing warnings to a geologist for initiating action against illegal stone quarrying went viral on Tuesday.
The 90-second clip was recorded during a meeting of officials and quarry miners on Monday night. The MP’s face is not to be seen in it, but officials, on condition of anonymity, confirmed the incident.
Mr. Puttaraju, who has been facing the ire of the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha for alleged involvement in illegal stone quarrying, purportedly used foul language at mines and geology officer Nagabhushan. He is also said to have threatened to block the Bengaluru-Mysuru highway with thousands of people.
Stone quarrying and transportation from several areas in Pandavapura has been banned by the district administration following blatant violations by miners. The two-month prohibitory order will be in force till December 10.
A meeting with miners was convened on Monday to urge the district administration to lift the restrictions. Deputy Commissioner N. Manjushri, assistant commissioners, senior officials from revenue and other departments, and quarry operators were present. Mr. Puttaraju, said to be lobbying for stone miners, was in attendance.
The video has gone viral on social media and appeared on the mainstream media. Mr. Nagabhushan was not available for comment. Meanwhile, the police clarified that they have not received any complaint on the incident.
In October 2014, Mr. Puttaraju threatened an assistant executive engineer of Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation that he would tie him to an electric pole.
