Congress Throws Out MLA's Son for Assaulting Youth at Bengaluru Restaurant, But No Arrest Yet

Bengaluru: An embarrassed Congress was forced to expel MLA NA Haris’ son Mohammad Nalapad on Sunday following a News18 report on an attack by the latter and his friends on a youth in an upscale Bengaluru restaurant.

Nalapad, the Bangalore District Youth Congress General Secretary, was expelled from the party for six years hours after he and 10 of his supporters were booked for the Saturday night assault.

Arrests were, however, yet to be made as Nalapad remained untraceable. Bengaluru police commissioner Sunil Kumar suspended Cubbon Park Circle Inspector Vijay Hadagali and also recommended the suspension of ACP Manjunath Thalwar for failing to make the arrest.

According to sources, both were close to the MLA and had allegedly tried to hush up the matter. The case has now been transferred to the city crime branch.

The victim, identified as Dollars Colony resident Vidwath, was having dinner at a high-end restaurant in UB City when Mohammad Nalapad and his friends walked in at 11:30pm. The group reportedly told Vidwath, who had a plaster on one of his legs, to “sit properly”.

Haris paid a visit to the hospital later in the night, following which the opposition BJP and JD(S) alleged that the lawmaker was “trying to hush up the case”.

On Sunday, Haris claimed he was unaware of his son’s whereabouts. “It is an unfortunate incident. I met the victim and his family. I don't know where he (Nalapad) is. His phone is switched off. Let the law take its course,” the MLA said.

The allegations come as a major embarrassment to the Congress-led Karnataka government in an election year.

Speaking to News18, Siddaramaiah said his government would uphold the law. "I have seen your report and ordered the strictest possible action against Haris' son. The police will arrest him. No such criminal act will be tolerated. Law is same for all. We uphold it."