Kolar, 29 Oct

Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed faced an embarrassing moment at a private function in Chikkaballapur on Wednesday. Ramakrishnappa, a farmer, came in front of the dais where Ahmed was and criticised the Minister for taking sides with a trader in neighbouring Telangana. The farmer alleged that the trader cheated him by not paying for the maize he had bought.

Ramakrishnappa had complained to Peresandra police seeking action against the trader, who is allegedly Ahmed’s relative. However, a leaked call purportedly shows Ahmed asking the Peresandra Sub Inspector to reach an amicable settlement between the two parties.

On Wednesday, soon after Ahmed was seated at a function held at Shaadi Mahal in Chikkaballapur, Ramakrishnappa arrived. 

He claimed the trader had cheated him of Rs 1.89 crore for the corn. He said the trader was ready to settle the amount after he lodged a police complaint. However, Ahmed’s alleged intervention prevented the trader from making the payment. 

Ramakrishna, who had come with his family members, threatened that he would die by suicide along with his family members if the amount is not settled by Thursday evening. He also displayed a death note, written in blood, where he had blamed the Minister in the event of his resorting to the extreme step. 

Ahmed, however, attempted to downplay the issue, saying that he had asked the police only to settle the case and had not taken sides with the trader. 

Later, Ramakrishnappa and his family members began a dharna in front of the venue. Police then persuaded them to call the protest off.