Chikkaballapur: Karnataka Minister for Housing and Minority Welfare, Zameer Ahmed Khan, is at the center of a major controversy after being accused of siding with Telangana-based maize traders who allegedly cheated a Chikkaballapur businessman of nearly Rs 1.89 crore. The incident has sparked outrage among local farmers and traders, who accuse the minister of abandoning Karnataka’s farming community in favor of outsiders.
The controversy erupted after Ramakrishna alias Jonnala Kitty, a leading maize trader from Digur village near Peresandra in Chikkaballapur taluk, dramatically confronted Minister Zameer Ahmed at an event held at Shadi Mahal. In a shocking display of protest, Ramakrishna carried a “death note” written in his own blood, declaring that Minister Zameer Ahmed would be responsible for his death if justice was not done.
According to Ramakrishna, he had sold maize worth Rs 1.89 crore to three Hyderabad-based traders Akbar, Saddam, and Nasir nearly five months ago. However, the traders allegedly failed to make payment despite repeated requests and continued to threaten and harass him. Aggrieved by the fraud, Ramakrishna lodged a complaint with the Peresandra Police Station, which led to the arrest of one of the accused, Akbar Pasha.
🟠Karnataka: Congress Minister Zameer Ahmed backs f@natic accused in fraud case involving an industrialist
🔹Minister Ahmed phoned the police sub-inspector, asking him to release the accused
🔸Audio clip of the conversation goes viral☝️How can such Congress ministers, who… pic.twitter.com/hutsLJjncH
— विश्वजित (@Vish_kc) October 27, 2025
However, soon after the arrest, Minister Zameer Ahmed allegedly contacted the Peresandra PSI Jagadish Reddy over the phone, requesting him to “settle the issue” and release the accused, stating that he had “personal relations” with them and that he would ensure the payment was made after some time. This phone call, whose audio clip went viral a week ago, has intensified the public anger against the minister, with many accusing him of misusing his power to influence police proceedings.
During the event in Chikkaballapur, a visibly distraught Ramakrishna stood before the minister, clutching his blood-written note, and said tearfully, “Sir, give me my money, or I will drink poison and hang myself. You are responsible for my death.” The emotional outburst in front of a public gathering stunned onlookers.
Instead of offering sympathy, Minister Zameer Ahmed reportedly lost his temper and rebuked Ramakrishna. Police officers quickly intervened and escorted Ramakrishna away from the venue to prevent the situation from escalating further.
Speaking to reporters after the incident, Minister Zameer Ahmed attempted to defend himself, claiming that his intervention was only to help facilitate a resolution between the two parties. “I have told the Telangana traders to settle their dues. I will personally ensure that no injustice is done to the farmers,” he said before leaving Chikkaballapur.
However, the minister’s explanation has done little to calm the growing resentment. Farmers who had sold maize to Ramakrishna gathered at the venue and voiced strong anger against Zameer Ahmed, accusing him of protecting Telangana traders while ignoring Karnataka’s farmers.
“Because of the minister’s interference, the accused traders walked away without paying us. Who will give us our money now?” asked one farmer angrily. Several others joined the chorus, demanding accountability from the state government and action against the minister for alleged abuse of power.
The incident has quickly taken a political turn, with opposition leaders latching onto the controversy to question the Congress government’s commitment to Karnataka’s farmers. They argue that the minister’s conduct reflects a growing pattern of neglect towards the state’s agricultural community.
While Ramakrishna’s protest has been temporarily defused, his threat of self-harm underscores the deep frustration among local farmers who feel betrayed by those in power. The police have reportedly increased surveillance around Ramakrishna’s residence to ensure his safety, while the opposition has demanded that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah take disciplinary action against Minister Zameer Ahmed.
