Congress leader Savita Mallesh Naik arrested for aiding murder attempt accused

Davanagere: Police have arrested Congress leader Savita Mallesh Naik for allegedly providing financial help and shelter to Congress functionary and rowdy-sheeter Khalid Pailwan, who is accused in the attempted murder of social activist and JD(S) leader T. Asgar.

The arrest was made by the Azad Nagar police after investigations revealed her alleged role in helping the prime accused evade police action. According to police sources, there had been a heated exchange between Asgar and Khalid Pailwan on social media platforms prior to the attack. On November 10, Asgar had visited the Tippu Jayanti programme at the 5th Cross in Bhasha Nagar.

After the event, while returning home, he was allegedly confronted by Khalid Pailwan, who then attacked him with a knife. Asgar sustained injuries in the assault, and Khalid reportedly fled the spot immediately afterward.

Following the attack, police launched a search for Khalid Pailwan. During the investigation, it was found that Savita Mallesh Naik had assisted the accused by providing money and arranging shelter at various locations. Police sources said the duo had travelled over the past week across Bengaluru, Goa, and Delhi in an attempt to dodge the police.

Savita Mallesh Naik, a former Congress member who had contested as an independent candidate from Mayakonda after being denied a party ticket, later returned to the Congress fold. Police allege that despite rejoining the party, she actively helped the accused hide from law enforcement. Her involvement came to light during the inquiry into the attack.

Based on the evidence collected, Azad Nagar police arrested Savita Mallesh Naik from Bengaluru and produced her before the court, which remanded her to judicial custody. Further investigation into the network supporting the accused is underway.

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