BJP MP Pratap Simha’s Brother Arrested in K’taka Over Alleged Tree Felling Worth Crores

Hassan (Karnataka): Vikram Simha, the brother of BJP MP Pratap Simha, has been arrested by the Organised Crime Squad of Central Crime Branch in connection with the illegal felling of trees in Karnataka’s Hassan district. The arrest follows the felling of 126 trees worth crores, with official reports suggesting Vikram’s involvement based on available documentary evidence.

Forest officials, aided by electronic surveillance, tracked down Vikram to Bengaluru, where he was subsequently arrested in a joint operation with the Organised Crime team. Currently in the custody of the forest department, Vikram Simha will be transported to Hassan for further legal proceedings.

This arrest adds to the challenges faced by BJP MP Pratap Simha, who recently made headlines in the Parliament security breach case. Questions have been raised by the Opposition regarding the lack of action against Pratap Simha, whose name surfaced in connection with the breach. In a related incident, an intruder carrying a visitor’s pass issued by Pratap Simha’s office trespassed into Lok Sabha on December 13, leading to increased scrutiny.

Despite the suspension of 146 MPs for unruly conduct related to the security breach, Pratap Simha has not faced consequences yet. The Opposition has voiced concerns, demanding accountability, while Pralhad Joshi, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister, has stated that Pratap Simha’s statement has been recorded as part of the ongoing probe.