Grama panchayat president Sarvothama Hegde runs the bar and restaurant

Silvester D' Souza

Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (EP)

Kundapur, June 1: Halady Grama panchayat president Sarvothama Hegde is running a bar and restaurant in the land and building belonging to Halady resident Anwar in Halady grama panchayat on survey No. 202. It is alleged that Sarvothama Hegde posed death threats, demolished part of the building and went for repairs because Anwar, the landlord asked the grama panchayat president to pay rent.

Anwar owns several shops and buildings in Halady junction on survey No. 202. His father, former DySP late Hameem had written the land in the name of his daughter- in- law, wife of Anwar in his Will transferring the land records in her name.

Sarvotham Hegde was running Madhudarshan bar and restaurant in the building at Halady Junction owned by Anwar's wife. Anwar had asked three years ago that the bar and restaurant be vacated. Sarvotham Hegde was asking for six months time every time and extending the period without paying rent. He had not renewed the rent agreement either. Anwar has alleged that Sarvotham Hegde has thrown thrash all over the place and made the place dirty.

Anwar, who was angry had complained to the excise department asking not to renew the Bar license as there is no toilet and bathroom in the bar and restaurant contrary to department rules. Sarvotham Hegde, who came to know about it, allegedly posed death threats to Anwar. He even went to the extent of threatening to cause Hindu- Muslim unrest. He also demolished the back portion of the building one night.

Sarvotham Hegde being grama panchayat president was also causing unnecessary obstacles in the payment of tax and renewal of licenses of other tenants on the land in the name of Anwar's wife. He has also damaged the building without obtaining permission.

A police complaint stands registered at Shankaranarayana police station.