Tipper lorry owners protest against JD(S) MLA’s remarks

Nearly 100 tipper lorry owners staged a protest here on Monday, condemning Janata Dal (Secular) MLA Sharanagowda Kandkur’s alleged threat to set fire to vehicles transporting illegal sand.

The protest, organised under the banner of the Tippar Malikara Sangha, followed a recent meeting between the MLA and Deputy Commissioner Rahul Pandve to discuss illegal sand extraction and air and water pollution in the Kadechur-Badiyal Industrial Area.

During the meeting, Mr. Kandkur reportedly demanded stringent action against illegal sand mining in his Gurmitkal constituency. A video clip that went viral purportedly captured him saying that he would personally set fire to tippers found transporting illegal sand or using fake royalty passes.

The statement drew strong objections from vehicle owners, who had earlier condemned it at a press conference.

On Monday, the protesters gathered near Shastri Chowk before taking out a rally in their vehicles along the main thoroughfare towards Subhash Chandra Bose Chowk.

The association members said the remarks had created fear and insecurity among tipper owners and drivers. They urged the State government and the district administration to initiate legal action against the MLA.

Pointing to the financial burden of repaying monthly bank instalments on their vehicles, the protesters said the situation had added to their difficulties.

They later submitted a memorandum to the district administration seeking action against Mr. Kandkur.