VIOLENCE DURING NEW YEAR EVE;

Madikeri January 1, 2006

Violence broke during the celebration of New Year yesterday night at madikeri and two persons were injured.

A complaint was lodged with the police stating that two youths barged into the podium of a New Year function and created ruckus.

Harish and Girish of kalur village allegedly jumped to the statge with swords and clubs and attacked the organizer of the function, Ganesh rai and his sister. They later damaged the stage and furniture to create fear in the audience. The crowd mostly members of Self Help Groups ran helter skelter. The duo allegedly snatched a chain from a woman, Savitree during the melee.

The onlookers complained that the police arrived at the spot only after 90 minuites after complaining. They also complained that the police beat a public who questioned them about the delay.

Meanwhile, dozens of ladies today sat before the police station demanding the arrest of the accused who are absconding. An ultimatum of three days was issued to police to arrest the culprits.

MLA’S SON TO BE THE ZP CHIEF;

Much heat and dust is being raised in Congress circle here as MLA Jivijay’s son is projected as the next president of the Zilla panchayath.

Jivijayas son Sanjay won with congress ticket from Somwarpet taluk amidst much odds. Presidents post is being demanded from Somwarpet taluk as the taluk produced more seats in the last election. Madikeri was humbled by BJP with only two seats and Virajpet could get only six seats. Somwarpet fetched eight seats out of 11.

Asked about his opinion, MLA Jivijaya said that the party better give chance to others than his son. However, Sanjay reacted by saying that these are a life time chances and he would lead the ZP as president. He seems to enjoy the support of majority of other members.

ABBIFALLS HYDEL PROJECT STOPPED;

MLC Arun machaiah has said that the Abbe Falls mini hydel project is stopped on the direction of the government.

Arun machaiah who is supporting the anti project group sitting in protest before the DCs office since a month informed that the petroleum secretariat has issued a notice to the contractors alleging that they have not acquired the required clearance from forest and environment departments.