Illegal banner row in Shidlaghatta: municipal officer abused, threatened by Congress leader; public outrage erupts
Chikkaballapur: A major controversy has erupted in Shidlaghatta town of Chikkaballapur district after a Congress leader allegedly abused and threatened the municipal commissioner for removing illegal banners erected across the city. The incident has triggered widespread public anger and renewed debate over political interference in civic administration.
Shidlaghatta Municipal Commissioner Amruta Gowda was allegedly subjected to obscene verbal abuse and death threats by Congress leader Rajeev Gowda after banners promoting the film Cult, starring Zaid Khan, son of Waqf Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, were removed by municipal authorities. The banners, installed at busy junctions and public roads, were reportedly put up without permission and were causing traffic obstruction and safety hazards.
According to officials, the banners were removed as part of a routine enforcement drive against unauthorised flex boards. However, an audio recording of a phone conversation, purportedly between Rajeev Gowda and Commissioner Amruta Gowda, has gone viral on social media. In the clip, Rajeev Gowda is allegedly heard using abusive language, threatening to “set fire” and warning of dire consequences, including getting the officer transferred and publicly assaulted with footwear.
Deeply shaken by the incident, Amruta Gowda broke down in public and staged a protest outside her office, demanding protection and action against the accused leader. “I removed the banners only because they were illegally installed and were causing inconvenience to the public and motorists. I have never faced such threats in my service,” she said tearfully. She added that she had earlier worked as a software engineer and had joined government service at her father’s insistence, never expecting to face such humiliation and intimidation for doing her duty.
The incident has sparked strong reactions across Chikkaballapur district, with citizens, civil society members and opposition parties condemning the alleged behaviour of the Congress leader. BJP and JD(S) leaders have demanded the immediate arrest of Rajeev Gowda, accusing the ruling party of shielding its leaders despite blatant misconduct.
Responding to the controversy, Rajeev Gowda denied the allegations, claiming that all necessary permissions had been obtained for the banners and that his statements in the viral audio had been “distorted”. He asserted that he had not used derogatory language against the officer.
Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, strongly criticised the Congress leadership, recalling past incidents where banners had led to fatal accidents. He demanded that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah order the immediate arrest of Rajeev Gowda to send a strong message against intimidation of women officers.
As the audio continues to circulate widely, the episode has intensified calls for strict action to protect government officials from political pressure and ensure rule of law.
