PSI scam: Key accused Patil flees CID net

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: The alleged kingpin in the Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) scam, Rudragouda Patil, who was out on conditional bail has escaped arrest by pushing CID officials who had gone to take him into custody on Thursday. Patil had spent some time in jail during April last year and was released on conditional bail.

However, he allegedly did not comply with the conditions of the bail. The CID has informed the court that he was absconding and has not appeared when called for questioning. Patil is related to at least eight cases related to the scam, according to the complaint.

A team of ED officials on Thursday questioned Patil at his residence. CID officials reached the spot around 5.30 pm with an arrest warrant. After questioning, when Patil came out and the personnel of CID tried to detain him, he pushed the cops aside and fled the scene.

Kalaburagi police commissioner has said that a case has been registered and they are putting in all efforts to apprehend him.

Video released

Patil has released a video on social media on Saturday, stating that he is planning to contest in the upcoming Karnataka Assembly elections. It has been released on a Facebook page, which is apparently managed by him.

In the video, he claimed that he is not absconding and there should be no concern over the false news. “I will appear soon to carry out your service. If the people want, I will become a candidate from Afzalpur constituency and contest the elections,” he has said in the video.

The video is seven minutes long and shot at an undisclosed location. Patil has claimed that he was framed in the PSI recruitment scam. “Some officers have fixed me after giving in to political pressure. There are a handful of people who do not want me to grow politically and are hence hatching a conspiracy,” he said.

He also claimed that he cooperated with the ED officials and was questioned from 6 am to 11 pm on Thursday. He accused the media of falsely reporting about his escape by pushing CID officials.