BJP MLA BP Harish Faces FIR Over Alleged Casteist Remarks in Davangere
Police in Davangere have registered a First Information Report against Harihar BJP MLA BP Harish. The case involves allegations of casteist remarks made against a farmer. The incident reportedly occurred during a dispute about transporting soil from a local lake.
Complaint Details the Alleged Incident
Based on a farmer's complaint, authorities filed the FIR at the DCRIE police station in Davangere. The incident allegedly took place on January 12 in Kadajji village, located in Davangere taluk.
Harish visited the village following reports of illegal soil mining. He instructed farmers to stop moving the soil. During this visit, a verbal altercation erupted between the MLA and a farmer.
The complaint specifically states that Harish made casteist remarks against Kantharaj, a member of the Dalit community. This accusation forms the core of the legal action.
Farmer's Account of the Confrontation
In his complaint, Kantharaj provided a detailed account of the events. He stated that on January 12, a tractor was used to transport soil from the lake for agricultural purposes.
According to Kantharaj, the MLA, along with his son and personal assistant, verbally abused him. They demanded to know who gave him permission to transport the soil.
"Despite asking them not to abuse me and stating that we were known to them, the MLA continued to shout," Kantharaj stated in the complaint. He emphasized that the abuse included casteist language.
Legal Action Demanded and Registered
Kantharaj explicitly called for legal action against BP Harish, his son, and his PA. He cited verbal abuse, threats, and casteist remarks as the basis for his complaint. He demanded that justice be served in the matter.
Police have officially registered a case against Harish, his son, and his assistant. The charges include multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code:
- Section 352 (Assault or criminal force otherwise than on grave provocation)
- Section 351(2) (related to assault)
- Section 126(2) (related to house-trespass)
Importantly, the case also invokes the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1986. This underscores the serious nature of the caste-based allegations.
Context of Previous Allegations
This is not the first recent case involving the BJP MLA. Authorities recently filed another case against Harish. That case involved allegedly making derogatory remarks against Davangere SP Uma Prashant.
The pattern of complaints suggests ongoing controversies surrounding the legislator's conduct. The latest FIR adds a significant dimension with its focus on caste-based allegations during a rural dispute.
The case highlights tensions around resource use and authority in rural Karnataka. It also brings attention to the application of laws designed to protect marginalized communities from discrimination and abuse.
