BJP MP Pratap Simha’s brother arrested after 126 trees worth crores felled

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Dec 31, 2023: The brother of BJP MP Pratap Simha, who hit headlines for the massive breach in Parliament security earlier this month, has been arrested in connection with the felling of trees worth crores. 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 Hassan district and transported elsewhere. An official report said "available documentary evidence" hinted at his involvement in the crime. Forest officials had been looking for Vikram Simha, but he escaped. The officials used electronic surveillance to track down Vikram to Bengaluru.

The forest officials reached out to the Organised Crime team and Vikram Simha was arrested in a joint operation. He will now be taken to Hassan for further action in the case.

Responding to his brother’s arrest, the BJP MP brought up the cheque bounce case involving Karnataka minister Madhu Bangarappa.

"Madhu Bangarappa is involved in a check bounce case worth ₹ 6.5 crore. That invites a jail term of six months by the court. But my brother is arrested," he said. Mr Simha questioned Chief Minister Siddaramaiah if he is "going to sacrifice my family for your son’s future".

His 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.