Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jun 13: Former Surathkal MLA Mohiuddin Bava has questioned the timing and motive behind a police case filed against him, nearly 26 hours after he visited the office of a deputy chairperson of the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPT) regarding a pending contractor bill.
Addressing the media at a private hotel in the city, Bava clarified that he had gone to the NMPT premises on June 9 to enquire about a bill worth Rs 2.6 crore, of which Rs 1.5 crore was still unpaid, on behalf of a sub-contractor from Nikith Construction. According to Bava, the chief engineer had already approved the release of the outstanding amount, retaining only Rs 5 lakh, and he had advised Bava to meet the deputy chairperson for final clearance.
"When I went to the office, the deputy chairperson was in a board meeting. I waited as instructed and later spoke to her personal assistant, Raghu Ram. Around 8 pm, when she stepped out, I courteously approached her and requested that the approved amount be released without any unnecessary deductions. I even folded my hands in greeting. But the next day night, I was shocked to learn that a false complaint was filed against me," he said.
Bava claimed he was respectful throughout the meeting, treating the official like his elder sister. "If I had behaved inappropriately, let them check the CCTV footage. If proven guilty, I am even ready to face the gallows," he said.
Alleging that the complaint was lodged under pressure from the deputy chairperson, Bava stated, "They claimed I obstructed work and misbehaved, but why was the case registered more than a day later? This feels like a misuse of influence to suppress genuine concerns."
Expressing anguish, Bava asserted that he was only trying to help citizens and contractors in his former constituency, especially since he had served as their elected representative. "If I made any mistake, I am ready to face the consequences under the law. But this injustice will not be taken lightly. I will file a complaint with the police commissioner and demand a thorough investigation. Let them record statements from the chief and deputy engineers, and verify the CCTV footage. I am prepared to fight this legally and politically," he declared.