MLA Kulkarni’s aide registers plaint against activist

Hubballi: Arjun Guddad, also known as Pujar, a contractor with the irrigation department and a close aide of MLA Vinay Kulkarni, registered a blackmail case against a Haveri-based woman farmer activist. She had registered a rape case against Kulkarni in Bengaluru. Guddad stated in his complaint, filed at the Gokul Road police station, that the woman demanded Rs 20 lakh by showing fake photos and videos. "She introduced herself as a representative of a seeds company. Jagadish Sannakki, Hanumantappa Bandivaddar, Siddappa Hosamani and another person were involved in the blackmailing," he added. He asserted that he is also involved in agriculture in Kalahal village of Ramdurga taluk. "Knowing this, the woman contacted us and introduced Sannakki as her husband. She threatened us with fake videos and photos and demanded Rs 20 lakh," he explained. Police confirmed that a case has been registered and an investigation is ongoing.