Tikait meet disrupted by ink attack, fist fights

NT Correspondent
Bengaluru

Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait was attacked in Bengaluru on Monday. During a press conference at Gandhi Bhavan, a miscreant attacked him with a microphone placed before Tikait those addressing the reporters. A second miscreant then threw black ink at Tikait. This was followed by a violent brawl at the venue.
Supporters of Rakesh Tikait flung chairs at the attackers while beating them up. Chants of ‘Modi..Modi’ were heard amidst the chaos.
Shortly after the attack, Rakesh Tikat spoke to a reporter and blamed the local police for the lack of proper security. He also said that the State Government was behind the attack. The High Grounds Police have reportedly arrested three people in connection with the incident.
Karnataka Congress President D.K. Shivakumar termed the incident an insult to Karnataka. After meeting Rakesh Tikait hours after the incident, he said, “Tikait is a national leader representing the entire farming community and has led a great struggle on their behalf. The Congress party condemns this act.”
Karnataka State President of the Aam Aadmi Party also condemned the attack on Tikait and blamed the State Government for failing to provide security to him.
“The incident has impacted Karnataka’s reputation at the national level. It shows that the Intelligence Department has become inactive due to the incompetence of the Home Minister,” he said and demanded a thorough investigation.