Date:22/04/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/04/22/stories/2007042206820400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Police begin probe

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: The Chandra Layout police have commenced investigation into the complaint by Jayalakshmi, a nurse, against Bharatiya Janata Party MLA M.P. Renukacharya.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) K.V. Sharatchandra told The Hindu on Saturday that it would take them a few days to probe the allegations made by Ms. Jayalakshmi in her complaint.

The police on Friday booked a case under the Indian Penal Code Sections 387 (extortion), 504 (breach of peace), 506 (criminal intimidation) and 509 (insulting the modesty of woman) against Mr. Renukacharya, who is also chairman of the Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation Ltd. (KEONICS).

Ms. Jayalakshmi has alleged that Mr. Renukacharya had pointed a revolver at her, threatened to pour acid on her and spoil her reputation by circulating obscene photographs. She has also complained that the MLA was harassing her to marry him.

Asked whether the police would question Mr. Renukacharya in view of the criminal case registered against him, Commissioner of Police Neelam Achuta Rao told presspersons that they have to first probe the allegations.

He was guarded in his reply to a query whether the police would register an attempt to suicide case against Ms. Jayalakshmi.