Congress leader accused of threatening Shidlaghatta municipal commissioner over banner removal

Chikkaballapur :A serious allegation has surfaced in Chikkaballapur district, where Shidlaghatta City Municipal Commissioner Amrutha Gowda has accused Congress leader Rajeev Gowda of abusing her with obscene language and issuing death threats over the removal of an illegally installed banner. The incident has triggered widespread concern among civic officials and staff, who have condemned the alleged intimidation of a public servant.

According to the complaint, the controversy erupted after the city municipality removed a banner that had been installed illegally on a public road in Shidlaghatta. Angered by the action, the accused allegedly made a phone call to the municipal commissioner and used vulgar and obscene language, besides issuing serious threats. Amrutha Gowda has stated that she was warned of dire consequences for carrying out her official duty.

The accused, Rajeev Gowda, is reportedly a KPCC state coordinator and a defeated Congress candidate from the Shidlaghatta Assembly constituency. In her complaint, the commissioner alleged that during the phone call, Rajeev Gowda threatened her by saying, “I will set you on fire, beat you with slippers, and incite riots,” causing grave concern for her safety. The language used and the nature of the threats, she said, amounted to criminal intimidation.

It is further alleged that during the same conversation, the Congress leader also used abusive and obscene words against local MLA B.N. Ravikumar. Additionally, indirect remarks were allegedly made insulting District In-charge Minister Dr. M.C. Sudhakar, escalating the political sensitivity of the issue. The incident has added fuel to the ongoing tension between civic authorities and political leaders over the enforcement of municipal rules.

Following the episode, officials and staff of the Shidlaghatta City Municipality have expressed fear and outrage. They have strongly condemned what they describe as an unacceptable attempt to threaten and humiliate a government officer for performing her lawful duties. Many officials have stated that such incidents demoralise public servants and create a hostile work environment, making it difficult to ensure impartial governance.

Municipal officials have brought the matter to the notice of higher authorities and have sought appropriate legal action against the accused. Sources said that the administration is considering filing a formal police complaint under relevant sections of the law, including criminal intimidation and abuse of a public servant.

The incident has sparked political reactions in the district, with calls for strict action to ensure the safety and dignity of government officials. As the matter unfolds, all eyes are on the authorities to see whether decisive legal steps will be taken, amid growing concerns over political interference and intimidation in civic administration.