MLA Hussain's aide surrenders in Ramanagar assault case

Ramanagara

Anil Jogender, a close associate of MLA H.A. Iqbal Hussain, has surrendered before the court in connection with the assault on Kothipura Govindaraju, a Dalit leader and JDS worker, which occurred a month and a half ago. Anil, who was in judicial custody, was taken into police custody on Monday by Aijoor police for further questioning.

The incident, which took place on May 3, led to a case being registered against a total of nine individuals, including Anil, based on a complaint filed by Govindaraju. The charges include assault and violations under the SC-ST Prevention of Atrocities Act. Anil is named as the primary accused. The other accused include Jay Karnataka Ravi, Ramanagara Urban Development Authority Chairman A.B. Chethan Kumar, and six others.

Following the registration of the case, police had previously arrested Darshan and Harsha and sent them to jail. However, Anil had reportedly continued to openly associate with the MLA and even participated in Congress events. His sudden disappearance a few days ago, followed by his surrender to the court, has raised several suspicions.

Police sources indicated that among the accused, only Ravi and Chethan Kumar would be subject to the Atrocities Act. A preliminary inquiry conducted by summoning them revealed that they had no direct involvement. Anil was not present at the scene of the incident and therefore was not initially arrested. However, his unexpected surrender to the court prompted the police to take him into custody for further interrogation.

Anil, who was considered the "right-hand man" of MLA Hussain, is a former executive president of the District Youth Congress. His constant proximity to the MLA and his subsequent surrender have fueled significant discussion within the party circles.

'Prajavani' attempted to contact the investigating officer, DySP B.N. Srinivas, for a comment on Anil's police custody, but calls went unanswered and messages received no response.