Padarayanapura violence case: Karnataka high court grants bail to 126 accused

BENGALURU: The high court on Friday granted bail to 126 accused in the Padarayanapura violence case. Justice John Michael Cunha has directed the 126 to furnish a bail bond for Rs 1 lakh each with surety. They have to undergo prescribed tests as well as quarantine based on the results.
The 126 were arrested on a complaint lodged by Raman Gowda, a police sub-inspector. The SI alleges that on the evening of April 19, when the lockdown was in place, the accused gathered at 10th Cross Arafath
Nagar in Padarayanapura.Armed with logs and stones, they removed barricades and damaged public property. They even threatened police and BBMP officials on duty.
The petitioners, however, pointed out that the complaint does not say they physically attacked any official.
Officials jittery
Imran Pasha, BBMP corporator representing Padarayanpura, tested positive on Friday evening. The news spread fear among BBMP officials, who had met the JD(S) corporator during the week on various occasions with regard to implementing surveillance measures in the ward. Padarayanapura has 65 positive cases.
“The councillor met us recently during a press meet and also celebrated Eid with us. This has created a sense of panic,” admitted Abdul Wajid, opposition party leader and corporator of Manorayanapalya. Contact tracing is on.