BJP MP Pratap Simha’s Brother Arrested in Tree Felling Case Amidst Growing Opposition Scrutiny

In a new development, the brother of BJP MP Pratap Simha, recently under the spotlight for the Parliament security breach, has been apprehended in connection with the unlawful felling of trees valued in crores. Vikram Simha, taken into custody by the Organised Crime squad of the Central Crime Branch, is currently under the jurisdiction of the forest department.

The incident unfolded in Karnataka’s Hassan district, where a staggering 126 trees, with a substantial monetary worth, were illicitly cut and transported elsewhere. An official report citing “available documentary evidence” suggested Vikram Simha’s complicity in the offense. Evading authorities, Vikram was tracked down in Bengaluru through electronic surveillance.

Coordinating efforts, forest officials collaborated with the Organised Crime team, resulting in Vikram’s arrest. The subsequent course of action will involve transporting him to Hassan for further legal proceedings.

Responding to his brother’s detention, the BJP MP, Pratap Simha, raised concerns about the ongoing check bounce case involving Karnataka minister Madhu Bangarappa. He emphasized the severity of Madhu Bangarappa’s case, which carries a potential jail term, juxtaposing it with his brother’s arrest. Pratap Simha questioned Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, challenging the perceived sacrifice of his family for the Chief Minister’s son’s future.

The timing of Vikram Simha’s arrest adds to the challenges faced by Pratap Simha, who is already confronting criticism from the Opposition in the aftermath of his implication in the Parliament breach. The Opposition, particularly curious about the lack of action against Simha despite the suspension of 146 MPs for unruly conduct, is vocalizing its concerns.

Pratap Simha, standing firm amidst the controversies, recently declared that the people will ultimately determine his standing in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Asserting that the verdict on his patriotism will be decided by the citizens, he pointed to his longstanding service and conduct on national issues.

While the Congress questions the absence of a thorough interrogation of the BJP MP, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi contends that Simha’s statement has been recorded as part of the ongoing investigation. The situation remains dynamic, with political tensions and public sentiments intertwining as the legal processes unfold.