Date:01/07/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/07/01/stories/2003070108910300.htm

Southern States - Karnataka-Bangalore

Police to probe complaint against MLA

By Our Staff Reporter

BANGALORE June 30. The Fourth Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate has ordered the J.P. Nagar police to investigate a complaint of extortion, cheating, and forgery allegedly committed by a Congress legislator.

The court has asked the J.P. Nagar Inspector of Police to look into the complaint against the Byndoor Congress MLA, Gopala Poojary, and submit a report by September 30, 2003.

Last Thursday, the Fourth Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Prakash L. Nadiger, received a private complaint filed by M. Babu, owner of Shanti Sagar Group of restaurants. The complaint was forwarded to the J.P. Nagar police station, which was asked to look into the case of extortion, cheating, and forgery, under Sections 219, 385, 406, 420, 468, 417 read with Section 120 (B) of the Indian Penal Code.

According to the complaint, Mr. Poojary, his brother and other family members along with others allegedly entered the premises of Shanti Sagar Fast Food on Tank Road in Ulsoor, and removed the name board. He allegedly wanted to close down all "Shanti Sagar" restaurants, which were in existence decades before New Shanti Sagar (run by Mr. Poojary) was opened. The complaint alleges that Mr. Poojary demanded protection money, and it was refused.