Legal fight planned to defend DC Roshan, says Satish Jarkiholi

Belagavi: Public works minister Satish Jarkiholi said the govt would mount a legal defence against the "breach of privilege" complaint filed by Maharashtra MP Dhairyasheel Mane against Belagavi deputy commissioner Mohammad Roshan. He asserted that the DC's actions were fully in accordance with the law and did not amount to any breach of privilege.Speaking to reporters here on Thursday, Jarkiholi said that although a complaint was submitted to the Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla, no notice has been issued so far and no committee was constituted. "Once a notice is served, we will fight it legally. All MPs from our state should raise their voice in support of Belagavi DC," he said.Responding to a query on a sexual assault case involving minor girls wherein police leniency was alleged against the accused, the minister stressed that the police should not function under political pressure. "In cases of sexual assault on minors, Pocso sections must be registered without fail and should take follow-up action," he said, adding that he would seek an explanation from the Belagavi police commissioner and initiate appropriate action.On the proposed bifurcation of Belagavi district, Jarkiholi referred to law minister HK Patil's statement and said CM Siddaramaiah indicated that the matter will be discussed in Bengaluru. "The final decision will be taken by the CM," he added.Meanwhile, the minister said the state cabinet approved the long-pending flyover project in Belagavi. The flyover will cover over 2km from NH-48 to Dharmaveer Sambhaji Circle, and no land acquisition is required for this phase. He further announced that the project will be extended up to the third gate to ease traffic congestion and ensure smoother vehicular movement in the city.