Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur
Kundapur, Jun 18: Hundreds of students supported by local leaders and the general public filled the streets of Byndoor on Thursday June 18, in protest against the suspicious death of a 17-year-old Akshata Devadiga on Wednesday June 17.
Akshata, daughter of Babu and Radha Devadiga, was found dead near a temple at Ottinene near Byndoor on Wednesday evening. It is suspected that she was strangled to death while walking home from college.
On Thursday morning, hundreds of students of Byndoor Junior College where Akshata was studying in second PU (science) gathered near Byndoor circle demanding justice.
Supported by local political leaders, the protestors shouted slogans and blocked the road all morning. All shops in Byndoor remained closed in support of the protest. Several local women also joined in.
The police deployed heavy security at the spot to prevent untoward incidents.
As the agitation grew stronger, SP Annamalai arrived at the spot and tried to console the protestors. He urged them not to block the roads and sought their cooperation.
The protestors pointed out that last year when young Ratna Kottary was found dead in a similar way near Byndoor, the then SP Boraligaiah had promised to solve the case, but he did not succeed. They expressed fears that in Akshata's case too, the culprits would manage to evade law.
They demanded fair and speedy probe into Akshata's death without any political interference or influence.
The SP assured that a thorough investigation would be done by the Udupi police and appealed to the protestors to give the police three days' time. The protestors agreed, but warned that if the case does not see any significant development in three days, they would intensify their protest.
"We have given the police three days' time, and if we do not get justice we will again protest," said local leader Deepak Kumar Shetty.
Following the assurance by the SP, the protestors dispersed and the roads were cleared.
IGP visits crime spot
Meanwhile, IGP Amrit Paul on Thursday visited the spot where the girl's body was found. He was accompanied by SP Annamalai and other higher police officials.
Speaking to media persons, IGP Paul said, "We have formed two teams to investigate the case. We are waiting for the medical report. The investigation is under progress and we have already gathered some clues."
When asked about Ratna Kottary case, he said, "The medical report stated that she had a natural death. The exact cause is not known and investigation is still going on."