Transport officer claims he’s being targeted by minister, Bidar MLAs for being Dalit

BIDAR: A Regional Transport Officer has alleged that he is being targeted by some political leaders in the district as he was a Dalit after a video of an argument between him and MLA Shailendra Beldale went viral.

The officer, Manjunath Koravi, in a video, claimed that he was being targeted by MLA Shailendra Beldale, Minister Eshwar Khandre and Rahim Khan and was transferred in a day at Beldale’s instance.

“Though Shailendra Beldale is in the BJP, Eshwar Khandre supports him because they belong to the same community. I had cracked down on overloading of trucks, illegal sand and red sand stone mining, but they don’t want us to work. They are only concerned about their voters and ignore the illegalities going on”, he claimed in a video.

“Bidar MLA Rahim Khan himself asks me to register cases at meetings and when I do it, they don’t back me. Minister Eshwar Khandre asks me to adjust, but should I shut my eyes to illegalities. If I am wrong, don’t send me away on deputation, straightaway suspend me or dismiss me from service. I am ready to face the consequences. Allegations are made against me about collecting bribes. If that is the case, let there be an investigation”, Manjunath Koravi said.