Daijiworld Media Network - Chikmagalur (SP)

Chikkamagaluru, Mar 21: B S Shekharappa, deputy commissioner of the district, from whom a magisterial inquiry report had been sought by the state government about the Tanikodu shootout incident in which alleged cattle trafficker, Kabir from Jokatte near Suratkal, had lost his life, had since submitted his report. Kabir was hit by a bullet fired by ANF personnel, Naveen Nayak.

This incident had given rise to lot of protests and counter protests. Several organizations including BJP had also questioned the propriety of sanctioning huge compensation for the death of a person who had not stopped when sought by the ANF at night. Kabir's accomplices had run away in the cover of darkness in the said incident. The incident had occurred on April 19, 2014, and a murder complaint was filed against Sunil Nayak at Sringeri station on April 23 the same year after which he was arrested and sent to jail.

The government, which had already ordered investigation by criminal investigation department (CID), had also asked the deputy commissioner to submit magesterial investigation report. It is said that family members of Kabir did not appear for recording their statements before the deputy commissioner (DC) in spite of having been summoned for the same several times. As such, the DC has concluded his investigation without their statements.

The report points out that election was held on April 17 with tight security. Kudremukh National Park, within which Tanikodu is located and where the incident occurred, is naxal prone area and ANF was asked to keep close vigil on movements at night, as there was apprehension that naxals might strike during the election. Kabir and his associates, who were transporting cattle, had not stopped even after ANF saw them and signalled them to stop. Even after warning was issued, they continued to flee, after which ANF personnel concluded that they were naxals. The bullet fired by Suneel had then hit Kabir, killing him instantly.

There had been resentment within ANF and police force about the way Naveen was booked for murder and sent to jail. He had to struggle to get bail, in spite of being recognized as an efficient and sinceare member of the force. Now he has reasons to breathe easy, as it is said that even the CID report filed earlier has not found him guilty, it is gathered.