80-minute leaked audio clip triggers violence against the legislator in Hassan

​BENGALURU/HASSAN: On Wednesday a 80-minute clip was leaked in which a BJP MLA purportedly disparages HD Deve Gowda and Kumaraswamy, which had triggered violence against the legislator in Hassan.

In the clip, MLA Preetham Gowda is purportedly heard talking to Sharanagouda, the son of JD (S) MLA Naganagouda Kandakur, who is convincing him to cross over to BJP. “Ours is a national party and it will be there as long as the sun and moon exist. Deve Gowda’s wicket will fall soon. Kumaraswamy has health issues. So, the JD(S) will soon vanish.” says the Hassan MLA.

Soon after the clip aired on TV channels, JD(S) supporters were seen outside the residence of Preetham. Preetham, the lone BJP MLA in the JD(S) bastion had, accused JD(S) leaders of instigating the attack.

Late Wednesday night, Sharanagouda registered a complaint against the BJP leaders and a former journalist in the Devadurga police station. Police filed a FIR under the IPC Section 506 (criminal intimidation).