Bellary bypoll underway, setback for Sriramulu, FIR lodged

Bellary, Nov 30: An FIR has been lodged against former Minister and candidate in the Bellary Rural Assembly Constituency by-election, B Sriramulu for allegedly campaigning in a temple.

The FIR was filed against Sriramulu under the Religious Institution Misuse Act, 1988.

A complaint was received against Sriramulu by the Election Commission of India (ECI) on the grounds that the former Minister campaigned at Eshwara temple at Nagenahalli on Nov 17.

The Chief Electoral Officer directed the ECI to file an FIR, said R Manoj.

As per Section 7 of the Act, if found guilty, the accused can face up to five years imprisonment.

A similar FIR was filed against BJP candidate Gadilingappa, BJP MLC Shashil Namoshi and State BJP president K S Eshwarappa by the police.

With the FIR lodged against Sriramulu and the Bellary by-poll election campaigns underway, it sure may prove a setback for him, as he is campaigning against P Gadi Lingappa, BJP's nominee and a businessman by profession.

OneIndia News