Gram panchayat president bites and thrashes man for highlighting problems in Belagavi village

BENGALURU: In a shocking case at Shindhogi village in the district, a man was brutally attacked by the gram panchayat president and his associates for raising certain civic issue. A few other family members were also injured in the incident and have been hospitalised

The victim, Hanumantha Yellappa Karikatti (30), had approached the Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) to report issues with stagnant sewage water near a school, which was affecting students and locals. According to Hanumantha, he had requested the PDO to address the issue, but instead, the gram panchayat president, Durgappa Topoji, became aggressive and attacked him. Topoji allegedly bit Hanumantha on the back and beat him with footwear, causing serious injuries.

The attack did not stop there. Hanumantha’s family members, including his mother and grandmother, were also assaulted when they tried to intervene. The attackers allegedly broke into their home and beat them with sticks and slaks, even snatching Hanumantha’s mother’s chain.

Hanumantha alleges that the attack was in retaliation for questioning irregularities in the panchayat’s functioning. He claims that Topoji and his associates had been involved in corrupt activities, and he had raised concerns about it.

The victims are receiving treatment at Savadatti government hospital, and the police are investigating the incident. Locals have called for action against the gram panchayat president and his associates.