Members of the District Central Cooperative Bank Employees’ Union staged a protest outside the Athani Police Station in Belagavi district on Saturday, alleging police inaction against MLA Laxman Savadi, his son Chidanand Savadi, and others accused of assaulting a labour union leader.
The protestors claimed that union leader Ningaraj Karennavar was called to Mr. Savadi’s house to discuss internal union issues, where he was allegedly assaulted by the MLA, his son, and their supporters.
They said Karennavar sustained a head injury and has been admitted to a hospital in Athani.
The demonstrators alleged that despite submitting a written complaint, the police failed to register a case against the MLA. They demanded that Mr. Savadi step down as a director of the DCC Bank and face legal proceedings.
However, Mr. Savadi denied the allegations.
“Ningaraj Karennavar indeed came to my residence, but he did so on his own to discuss union-related matters. I clearly told him that I would not interfere and asked him to leave. My followers also advised him similarly. He left immediately. Neither my supporters nor I had any role in the incident,” Mr. Savadi said.
