Yadgir, 7 Jan

A case has been registered at the City Police Station against activist Punit Raj Kamatagi and Khelo India athlete Lokesh Rathod, among others, on charges of disturbing public peace and obstructing government officials and police personnel on duty during a protest march in Yadgir.

Under the banner of the Kalyana Karnataka Youth Association, a group of 18–20 protesters led by Punit took out a protest march on Monday at around 10 am and reached the gate of the Deputy Commissioner’s office.

The protesters said that although Rs 10 crore had been released by the Kalyana Karnataka Regional Development Board (KKRDB) for the district sports stadium, it has not been utilised properly. They said that the running track has been constructed haphazardly.

They demanded that the assurances given by the Additional Deputy Commissioner during an earlier protest be fulfilled. They also called for a time-bound action plan to address the district’s problems and provide solutions. They warned that if no action is taken within seven days, complaints would be filed with the Human Rights Commission and the Lokayukta.

According to the complaint, the protesters allegedly raised slogans against the police, forcibly opened the gate, and barged into the main entrance of the office. This reportedly caused inconvenience to the public and government employees trying to enter the office.

At around 1.20 pm, when the Deputy Commissioner came forward to receive the protesters’ memorandum, they allegedly spoke in opposition, refused to submit the petition, and continued the protest.

It is further alleged that Punit brought petrol and threatened to self-immolate. He also threatened the Deputy Commissioner while raising slogans against the government.

The complaint filed by DC office security guard Suresh states that during the protest, the accused instigated others, behaved indecently with officials and police personnel on duty, and disrupted public peace. A case has been registered.