Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (DV)
Mangalore, Aug 13: Federation of Auto Rickshaw Drivers' Union, affiliated to CITU, held a protest against the brutal murder of auto rickshaw driver Mohammed Rifai in Nethrakere, Bantwal, and demanded a serious probe into the case. The protest was held near the DC's office here on Wednesday August 13.
Addressing the protest Sunil Kumar Bajal said, "Auto driver Rifai who was hacked to death was innocent. Though, in the district there are various instance of auto drivers getting murdered by people hiring their auto rickshaws, the police department has completely failed to crack down on such incidents and provide justice to the victims."
"Auto drivers serve the public for more than 16 hours a day, but their lives are not secure. Incidents keep repeating in the district but the police department has failed to arrest the culprits; instead those who are not linked with the murders are sent to jail. This shows the failure of the police. The police should hold serious probe into the murder of auto driver Rifai and the government should provide Rs 5 lac compensation to the victim's family," he added.
"The police arrest innocents while letting off criminals in murder cases. They should conduct investigation into crimes. If the victim does not get justice, CITU will hold stongs protests against the government and the police department," he concluded.
Munir Katipalla, DYFI state president said, "Murders of auto drivers have been taking place ever since 1998. They are easy targets for gang wars and communal violence. Since long, no convictions have been reported in murder cases of auto drivers. Though the murder is reported in the state minister's constituency, he has no concern to visit the family of victim. Even though the victim is from his own community, the police have failed to crack the murder case."
"Though there are three ministers, MP and MLAs from Dakshina Kannada, illegal activities are rampant in the district. Government has to place sincere officers in the SP and the IGP's offices. Corrupt officers are present in police stations too. Though there is CCB, it has failed to prevent crimes in the city. Government has money to pay lacs of rupees for a political representative's treatment, but not for those who really deserve compensation. The police should hold serious probe into this murder and arrest the culprits," he added.
L T Suvarna and Mohammed Ansar were present on the occasion. An auto rickshaw rally was held from Valachil to the DC's office.