Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, Apr 16: The Ullal Mogaveera Sangha and the Mogaveera Mahajana Sabha on Saturday April 16 condemned the recent murder of fisherman Rajesh Kotian alias Raju in Ullal and demanded Rs 50 lac as compensation for the bereaved family.
Raju Kotian was found dead on April 12 at Kotepura, with his face smashed. The police have arrested three persons including a juvenile in the case. The Mogaveera community had held protests in front of the Ullal police station demanding immediate arrest of the culprits.
Addressing a press meet here, president of Ullal Mogaveera Sangha Bharat said, "The police have done appreciable job in arresting three accused within 48 hours. This is a communally motivated murder. The deceased Rajesh Kotian was a sincere fisherman who had no criminal background and was not involved in any political outfit. He was very poor and he also married a woman from a poor family. His mother-in-law is ill and his brother-in-law is mentially ill, and he was looking after all of them. He had taken the entire responsibility of the family."
President of Mogaveera Mahajana Sabha Gangadhar Karkera said, "The murder of Rajesh is an inhuman act and we strongly condemn it. The government should give a compensation of Rs 50 lac to his family and provide them a house under any government programme. Also, his wife should get a government or semi-government job.
"Stringent action should be taken against the culprits. Kotian's entire family relies on fishing. They should get justice," he added.
Bharat said, "A police outpost and CCTVs should be installed at Kotepura as fishermen walk that way at night. Due to this unprovoked murder, fishermen in Ullal are not venturing into the sea now as they fear for their lives. There is rampant ganja mafia in the vicinity and police must take action."
Rajiv Kanchan, Sadananada Bangera and Shankar Bangera present.