KRV men ransack software firm

KRV men ransack software firm
DH News Service, Bangalore:


A software company faced the wrath of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike on Monday as its two offices in Bangalore were vandalised by pro-Kannada activists. A song, that allegedly ridiculed Karnataka and Kannadigas, written by a Canadian executive of the company is said to have triggered the violence. The song was reportedly circulated through e-mails.

As soon as the firm, Sasken Communication Technologies Limited started its day’s business at 11 am, around 100 KRV men were inside the building at the Hosur Road office. Sporting yellow-red scarves and shouting slogans against the company, the KRV men damaged computers, furnitures and window panes of the building. The employees of the company were frightened by the sudden development and ran outside the building. Later, the KRV men vent their ire on the company’s another office on Airport Road. The show went on till Monday evening.

Sasken sacks staffer

Later in a release, the Sasken management strongly condemned the incident of “individual misconduct” and announced the termination of service of the individuals allegedly concerned with immediate effect. “Saksen management is further investigating the matter, and will take required action against all those found to be responsible,” said the release.

KRV President Narayan Gowda alleged that the Canadian executive used to tease a Kannada girl regularly. He added that one day the girl slapped him before the employees of the company. After this insult, the Canadian executive wrote a song abusing Karnataka and Kannadigas and was compelling others to sing it regularly before the girl. As if this was not enough, he is alleged to have e-mailed the song to the girl and other Kannadiga employees. Somehow the song reached news channel offices and was aired. The KRV will continue their agitation on Tuesday also, said Narayan Gowda. So far, no arrest has been made in this connection though a case of rioting has been registered against the KRV activists. Police have not received any complaint against the Canadian executive.

The Sasken management maintained that the company had been an “exemplary corporate citizen” since it was founded in Bangalore over 20 years ago.

“Sasken is proud to be in Karnataka, contributing to its growth with about 2,500 employees working in various facilities across Karnataka. We respect Karnataka and the sentiments of its people,” the company release said.