CHIKKABALLAPUR
Rajiv Gowda, a local political worker accused of threatening officials of the Shidlaghatta City Municipal Council, is on the run, and police have launched an intensive search to arrest him, officials said on Sunday.
According to police, Gowda allegedly issued death threats to Municipal Council Commissioner Amrutha Gowda after civic authorities removed unauthorised banners in the town. A case was registered, and a court later rejected his anticipatory bail plea. Since then, he has reportedly gone into hiding.
Police sources said teams have been searching for him for nearly two weeks. Investigators believe he recently travelled to Mangaluru and abandoned his car near the railway station before fleeing to an unknown location. CCTV footage from railway stations, lodges, hotels and bus stands is now being checked to trace his movements.
The situation created tension in Shidlaghatta, with some residents expressing concern over the delay in his arrest. However, senior officers said legal procedures are being followed and efforts are on to secure him soon.
In another setback for Gowda, his party has reportedly suspended him following the controversy. His petition seeking to quash the FIR was also dismissed by the High Court, further tightening the legal net around him.
Police urged the public not to panic and appealed for cooperation. They said anyone with information about his whereabouts can share details with the nearest police station. Authorities assured that strict action will be taken based on the law once he is taken into custody. Officials added that special teams are coordinating with railway and transport authorities across states to prevent escape and ensure tracking of the suspect.
