The issue of illegal sand extraction and the alleged involvement of Minister for Public Works H.C. Mahadevappa plunged the Legislative Council into chaos on Tuesday. The incident of Mysuru Deputy Commissioner C. Shikha filing a case against a former zilla panchayat president and a close associate of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah added to the heat.
Raising the issue, Leader of the Opposition in the Upper House K.S. Eshwarappa pressed for the constitution of a House Committee to probe into the rampant illegal sand extraction in various river basins in the State and demanded the resignation of Mr. Mahadevappa. He said that officials, including Ms. Shikha, were being threatened in the home district of the Chief Minister and Mr. Mahadevappa.
Pointing to the recent incident of Ms. Shikha lodging a complaint against Mari Gowda, a close aide of Mr. Siddaramaiah, for interfering in her official work, Mr. Eshwarappa sought to know what would be the fate of the common man if the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police were feeling insecure in the State.
“The accused has not been arrested even after filing an FIR,” he alleged. He said that similar interference was happening in the case of illegal sand extraction.
The Opposition leader sought security from the government, even before commencing his presentation, by saying that he had been receiving threat calls.
In his retort, Mr. Mahadevappa accused Mr. Eshwarappa of using the sand extraction issue and the incident of police officers partying with his son to tarnish his image.
