Shoot-out at Virajpet: Kodagu bandh called by BJP total

The bandh called by the BJP in Kodagu on Friday to protest against the attack on Kodagu BJP unit president Suja Kushalappa has received total response. Kushalappa, brother of Madikeri MLA Appachu Ranjan was shot at by armed gunmen on Thursday at Virajpet.

According to reports, shops and business establishments remained closed throughout the district. All government offices were closed. Only essential services remained operational. Buses were off the roads. Schools and colleges were closed.

Mandepanda Suja Kushalappa, who was also involved in liquor business, was shot at by car-borne gunmen while he was coming out of the office of the sub-registrar, accompanied by his son Shashank, and a few others. It is learnt that the aides of Kushalappa returned the fire, but the occupants of the car numbering four persons sped away.

Reports said the bullets grazed past the hand and neck of Kushalappa. He was initially operated on at a hospital in Virajpet and a bullet was removed. He was later shifted to Mysore, where he underwent another surgery by a team of doctors led by Dr Anil Sangli at Columbia Asia Hospital. Kushalappa’s condition is said to be stable.