Mysuru: An RTI activist has been arrested by Kuvempunagar police after allegedly driving a car for nearly one kilometre while a man was hanging onto the vehicle’s bonnet following a dispute over money connected to a property transaction. Police later produced the accused before a court, which remanded him to judicial custody.
The accused has been identified as Gangaraju. Police registered the case based on a complaint filed by Dhananjay, who alleged that the activist attempted to kill him after he sought the return of money paid as part of a site deal.
Dispute linked to property transaction
According to the complaint filed before police, the incident stemmed from a financial dispute related to the purchase of a site.
Dhananjay alleged in the FIR that he had paid Rs 20 lakh in cash to Gangaraju in June 2024 for the purchase of a site belonging to another individual.
According to the complaint, the accused had allegedly promised to arrange the title deed related to the property transaction. However, the complainant claimed that despite repeated follow-ups, neither the title deed nor the money was returned.
The dispute reportedly continued for several months before the latest incident took place.
Incident occurred near Sub-Registrar’s Office
Police stated that the incident took place near the Sub-Registrar’s Office at Ramakrishna Nagar on May 20.
According to the complaint, Dhananjay allegedly spotted Gangaraju in the area and approached him to discuss the pending amount.
The complainant alleged that Gangaraju ignored him and entered his vehicle instead of responding to his request.
According to the FIR, Dhananjay then stood in front of the car in an attempt to stop him and continue the discussion regarding the money.
Man allegedly dragged on bonnet
The complaint further alleged that Gangaraju drove the vehicle towards Dhananjay with the intention of hitting him.
Dhananjay stated that in panic he fell onto the vehicle’s bonnet and held onto the windshield wiper to avoid falling onto the road.
Despite this, the complainant alleged that the accused continued driving the vehicle for nearly one kilometre without stopping.
Police said the complainant alleged that the vehicle finally came to a halt in front of the Kuvempunagar Police Station.
The complainant further alleged that the accused attempted to kill him because he had been demanding the return of the Rs 20 lakh paid in connection with the property transaction.
Police arrest accused and continue probe
Speaking to the media, Harsha Priyamvada confirmed that Gangaraju had been arrested based on the complaint submitted by Dhananjay.
Police subsequently produced the accused before a court, which remanded him to judicial custody.
Investigators are continuing inquiries into the financial transaction as well as the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident.
Gangaraju is known in Mysuru for his activities as a social and RTI activist and had earlier drawn attention in connection with issues related to civic matters and allegations linked to the MUDA controversy.
Police stated that further investigation into the case remains in progress.