Date:16/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/16/stories/2008051650120100.htm

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Sriramulu gets anticipatory bail, surrenders to police

Staff Correspondent

He has been charged with attempt to murder

B. Sriramulu

BELLARY: The former Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, B. Sriramulu, on Thursday night surrendered before Gandhinagar police in connection with the case of attempt to murder registered against him for allegedly assaulting a Congress worker in Bellary city.

Mr. Sriramulu, who reportedly gave the slip to the police to evade arrest earlier in the day, appeared before the police armed with an anticipatory bail. An Additional Sessions Judge of Bellary has granted anticipatory bail on condition that he shall not tamper with evidence or threaten the prosecution witnesses in any manner. The anticipatory bail will be in force till May 19.

This follows an alleged case of assault on a Congress worker and supporter of the Congress candidate, Anil Lad, in Bellary on Thursday. The Congress worker Nani, who suffered head injuries, is said to be out of danger. The sources said distribution of money among voters by Congress workers, led by M. Diwakar Babu, is said to be the reason for the assault.

The police formally arrested Mr. Sriramulu and released him at 9.30 p.m. after completing formalities. Mr. Sriramulu denied the allegations and said since morning he was touring Bellary Rural Assembly constituency from where he was contesting, and had been meeting his party workers and polling agents.

Earlier, the police questioned BJP MLC Janardhan Reddy about the whereabouts of Mr. Sriramulu. Mr. Reddy who was brought to the police station was later let off.

SP suspended

The Election Commission has ordered the suspension of Bellary Superintendent of Police Amrit Paul following the day’s incidents. . Mr. Paul is being replaced by Deputy Inspector-General of Police Alok Kumar.