Man arrested for acting like an MLA to enter the Karnataka Legislative Assembly
Police have registered a case against a man who impersonated an MLA and gained access to the Karnataka Legislative Assembly during the budget presentation. The incident prompted the state Home Minister, G. Parameshwara, to demand a report on the security breach. The accused, identified as C. D. Thipperudrappa, also known as Kariyappa, hails from Doddapete in Molakalmuru taluk, Chitradurga district.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Kariyappa is mentally unstable and claims to be an advocate. On Friday, he entered the Vidhan Soudha (state Assembly) through the east gate and accompanied the MLAs. When the marshals stopped him, he falsely identified himself as an MLA and asked if they recognized him. Assuming he was a first-time MLA, the security staff allowed him to proceed. Kariyappa occupied the seat of JD(S) MLA Karemma G Nayak but aroused suspicion, leading JD(S) MLA Sharanagouda Kandakur to bring the matter to the speaker’s attention.
Before authorities could take action, Kariyappa managed to leave the seat. However, the police apprehended him on the Vidhana Soudha premises. He occupied the MLA’s seat and attended the session for approximately 15 minutes. The initial inquiry revealed that he had obtained a Karnataka Legislative Assembly visitor’s pass and visited Vidhana Soudha on July 3. Kariyappa has been charged with trespassing and impersonation. No suspicious items were found in his possession, according to the police.
