In yet another disturbing incident in Belagavi, a Karnataka government official was assaulted in Ambewadi village for allegedly refusing to issue official documents in Marathi. This marks the second such attack in the district within a month, authorities reported on Tuesday.
Nagappa Kodli, secretary of the Ambewadi gram panchayat, was ambushed on Monday evening near his office while riding his two-wheeler. According to Police Commissioner Ada Martin, the attack was orchestrated by the son of Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) district convener Chetan Patil, along with Vikram Yellurkar and a few accomplices. Armed with iron rods, knives, and sticks, the group inflicted severe injuries on Kodli. The police have yet to disclose the name of Patil’s son, and all accused are currently evading arrest.
Kodli, suffering from deep wounds on his head and legs, is receiving treatment at the Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS). His complaint states that the assailants repeatedly pressured him to provide documents in Marathi. When he clarified that government directives mandated official work in Kannada, they resorted to violence. Local farmers intervened, preventing further harm.
Authorities have linked the attack to a dispute over government employment schemes, with the accused allegedly seeking control over worker contracts. Police have filed a case under sections 109 and 131 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. In response, Kannada groups have declared a statewide bandh on March 22.
Read Also: