Daijiworld Media Network-Chikkamagaluru (RJP)

Chikkamagaluru, Jan 30: Hindu leader Praveen Khandya who is accused in around 33 criminal cases has been arrested by police here on Sunday January 29 and sent to Kalburgi jail.

Superintendent of police (SP) K Annamalai said that Khandya has been detained under Goonda Act. “He was arrested from his home at Khandya near Balehonnur after we received relevant orders signed by deputy commissioner (DC) G Satyavathi.” SP said.

Khandya is an accused in suicide of DySP Kallappa Handibag and kidnap of businessman Tejas Gowda in addition to other criminal cases he is facing.

Praveen Khandya is believed to have enjoyed political patronage. Hence he could not be booked under Goonda Act earlier. Police had submitted report to the previous DC twice in the past but had failed to get the orders signed. Police had mentioned about the anti-social activities of Praveen Khandya in the report.

Khandya was at large for many months after his name appeared in Kallappa Handibag suicide case. But later he had managed to secure anticipatory bail.