While netas court arrest, he flees from protest rally

State Excise Minister Renukacharya disappears from Basaveshwar Circle as soon as the police arrive, without informing his colleagues

While most politicians backing the NDA-sponsored nationwide Bharat Bandh against increase in oil prices yesterday courted arrest, State Excise Minister Renukacharya (pictured)u00a0 gave the cops a slip.
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Minutes before policemen arrived at the Basaveshwar Circle, where most BJP leaders participated in the protest rally, Renukacharya SMSed his driver to keep the car ready and slyly asked him to drive away in order to avoid being arrested.



When the police detained other leaders, including, former cabinet minister Shobha Karandlaje and BJP spokesperson CT Ravi, and were leading them to the van, Renukacharya disappeared from the spot without informing his fellow protestors.
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Other BJP leaders looked out for him, but could not find him. Many of his colleagues even laughed at Renukacharya's "cowardly" behaviour.

Even during the rally, the minister had other concerns that participating in the protest. When it began raining, Renukacharya started immediately looking for shelter.

He also asked for an umbrella, but since his followers did not have one, he decided to squat as party activists surrounded him to ensure that he does not get drenched.
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Renukacharya had also evaded arrest and had gone underground after he was accused of sexual harassment and cheating by a nurse, Jayalaxmi.

After alleging sexual harassment by the leader she had also released pictures that showed the two of them kissing.

Jayalaxmi had filed a cases against Renukacharya and while police struggled to find his whereabouts he submitted anticipatory bail.