Daijiworld Media network – Udupi (JD/HB)

Udupi, Mar 24: State Pandal Arrangers Committee founder president Abubakkar Ali has accused Fisheries and Animal Husbandry minister Venkatrao Nadagouda and his supporters for assaulting an owner of an arranger company who refused to pay commission.

Addressing reporters in Udupi Press Club, Abubakkar Ali said Sharanabasaveshwara Pendals had won the tender for the fisheries fest held in Sindhanur on January 5, 6, and 7. The total amount for the arrangement of the pandal and affiliated services was Rs 68 lac. Mohammed Mulla, owner of MDS Arrangers also had arranged pandal and other services for the programme. Around Rs 22 lac was to be paid to Mohammed Mulla for this purpose. Currently only Rs 16 lac is paid by the government through cheque, he said.

“When Mohammed Mulla was going to deposit the cheque to his bank account in Sindhanur, supporters of Fisheries and Animal Husbandry minister Venkatrao Nadagouda threatened him and demanded he pay commission to them. The supporters also took Mohammed Mulla to the minister who allegedly asked him to pay the commission to his
supporters. When Mohammed refused to his request, Nadagouda tried to assault him. Complaint has been registered against five of the supporters of Minister Venkatrao Nadagouda but no action is taken against the minister,” he added.

Abubakkar Ali demanded the government to take action against minister Venkatrao Nadagouda and also demanded he resigns from the cabinet.

Sukesh Hegde, president Udupi Pendal Arrangers Committee, Shoukath Ali, committee vice president, and Hussain R, committee secretary were present during the press meet.