After getting threatening letter, Kannada writer Kumvee seeks police protection

Accompanied by his lawyer Pandit Aradhya, he met Vijayanagara Superintendent of Police K. Arun at the latter’s office on April 11, and submitted a written request seeking police protection

Kannada writer Kum. Veerabhadrappa (Kumvee), who, along with other progressive writers and activists, received a threat letter, has sought police protection.

Accompanied by his lawyer Pandit Aradhya, he met Vijayanagara Superintendent of Police K. Arun at the latter’s office on April 11, and submitted a written request seeking police protection.

“We will verify the threatening letter and take suitable action. I have already directed Kottur police to provide protection to the writer,” Mr. Arun told mediapersons.

Speaking to mediapersons after submitting the request, Mr. Veerabhadrappa said that he had been receiving life-threatening calls from unknown persons.

“At a programme organised in Bengaluru a few days ago, I had stated that I am not a Hindu, but a Lingayat. Expressing my views is my right. A few people who could not digest my statement had called and criticised me in harsh words. I also received a letter from an unknown person from Bhadravati in which he threatened to kill 61 persons including me. That is why I have submitted a written request to the Superintendent of Police seeking police protection,” Mr. Veerabhadrappa said.

The writer added that the letter mentioned 61 persons, including Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Janata Dal (Secular) leader and former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy.

“I received the letter on April 7, 2022. It was posted from Bhadravati. But there were no details of the person who dispatched the letter,” Mr. Veerabhadrappa said.