BJP leader Pratap Simha’s brother has been arrested in connection with the felling of trees worth crores in Karnataka
Vikram Simha has been arrested by the forest department officials in connection with an alleged tree felling case, ANI reported.
Who is BJP MP Pratap Simha?
Pratap Simha represents Mysore-Kodagu of Karnataka.
He is the former President of the Yuva Morcha BJP.
What is the case against BJP leader's brother Vikram Simha?
As per the officials, Vikram Simha has been accused of felling trees in a forest area in Karnataka's Hassan district.
He was arrested on Saturday from Bengaluru, the officials said.
Vikram Simha, who was arrested by the Organised Crime squad of Central Crime Branch, is currently in the custody of forest department.
As many as 126 trees worth crores were felled in Karnataka's Hassan district and transported elsewhere, reported NDTV.
The report quoting an official statement said "available documentary evidence" hinted at his involvement in the crime.
BJP MP Pratap Simha already under fire in Parliament security breach case:
BJP MP Pratap Simha was recently under scrutiny from the opposition over allegations of providing Parliament passes to individuals responsible for triggering panic in the Lok Sabha with gas canisters on December 13.
Pratap Simha’s brother’s arrest comes at a tough time for the BJP MP, who is already drawing fire from the Opposition after his name came up in the Parliament breach case. One of the intruders who trespassed into Lok Sabha on December 13 was carrying a visitor's pass issued by Pratap Simha's office.
The BJP had later told Speaker Om Birla that the intruder's father was a resident of his constituency and had asked for a pass to visit Parliament.
What has BJP leader Pratap Simha said over his brother’s arrest?
"Madhu Bangarappa is involved in a check bounce case worth Rs 6.5 crore. That invites a jail term of six months by the court. But my brother is arrested," Pratap Simha said.
He questioned Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah if he is "going to sacrifice my family for your son's future".
