BJP MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi’s supporters booked for organising lunch for voters in Congress MLA’s constituency

FIR registered by election returning officer in Belagavi Rural police station states that the case was filed under Section 171E (punishment for bribery) of Indian Penal Code

In an overnight operation, Belagavi district administration officials tasked with election responsibilities, booked a case of apparent violation of election related rules.

Two accused, Nagendra Balappa Naik and Nagesh Munnolkar, face the charge of organising a mass lunch and feeding meat-based food to people who attended a SC/ST voters’ rally. The two accused are said to be supporters of BJP MLA and former minister Ramesh Jarkiholi who had addressed the rally.

The accused had organised a SC/ST rally in Santi Bastawad village in Belagavi Rural Assembly constituency on March 15, for which around 3,000 persons had been invited. After the rally, the participants were offered lunch that included meat-based dishes. An election flying squad visited the venue and confirmed that meat-based preparations were served to the attendees. The dishes used to cook the meal were seized.

The First Information Report (FIR) registered by the election returning officer in Belagavi Rural police station states that the case was filed under Section 171E (punishment for bribery) of the Indian Penal Code.

Congress MLA Lakshmi Hebbalkar represents Belagavi Rural constituency.

Mr Munnolkar is a BJP leader and former president of Hindalga gram panchayat. He is an aspirant for the BJP ticket from the constituency. Ramesh Jarkiholi, BJP MLA representing Gokak constituency, has organised at least three rallies in Belagavi Rural constituency in the last two months.