Bengaluru: If you demand power, you may land up in a jail in Karnataka, because the power minister is on a power trip. Literally!
A small time trader from Sullia near Mangalore was almost sent to jail by Karnataka Power Minister DK Shivakumar for ringing him up to complain about irregular supply of electricity. Local trader Sai Giridhar Rai called up Shivakumar to inform him about frequent power cuts.
Though he did not receive the call initially, he finally answered the call last Sunday. Instead of resolving the issue or at least listening to him, the minister started abusing him, claims Rai. It led to a heated exchange of words between the two.
Later, Shivakumar ordered the local Power Department officials to lodge a criminal case against Rai. The overzealous police entered Rai's house through the roof in the midnight and arrested him violating SC guidelines.
Police say they have booked a case of criminal intimidation, intentional insult to provoke breach of peace, and deterring public servants from doing their duty.
Rai has got bail from a local magistrate.
Reacting to this, Shivakumar said that Rai had abused him over phone and he had to inform the police. Rai claimed that Shivakumar had abused him in the foulest language.
Shivakumar is a very controversial minister in the state. He has been facing several charges of serious corruption. The main opposition BJP has condemned the police action and minister's conduct. Karnataka state BJP spokesman S Prakash said, "The Congress government in Karnataka is worse than Hitler's government. It is the most intolerant one. There is an undeclared emergency in the state. We condemn Shivakumar's actions."
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