Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Aug 9: Thousands of people from across communities, with members and office-bearers of over 40 organizations, people's representives along with scores of students from various colleges on Wednesday August 9 came together demanding justice for Kavya, a student of Alva's high school who was found hanging in the school hostel last month. The protest was held in front of the DC's office here.

Addressing the protest, mayor Kavita Sanil said, "I did not come here as a mayor. I came here as Kavya's supporter. I visited Kavya's house and came to know that her parents have many questions about their daughter's death. Their questions should be answered. In this case, I specially request all political leaders across parties to not interfere in this matter. This is a fight for justice. I am also a national sportsperson. I know that national sportspersons never commit suicide. Only a thorough investigation will bring out the truth. I support the demand for compensation and will try to do my best in this regard."

President of Justice for Kavya Forum Dinakar Shetty said, "Do not take our demands lightly. In the Nirbhaya gang-rape case, students who descended on the streets of Delhi and elsewhere succeeded in making the government amend the law within three days of the incident. Kavya's case is as important as the Nirbhaya case, hence students have descended on the streets today. Do not test the patience of students.

"There is a conspiracy behind Kavya's murder. There is no doubt that she was murdered by the management, and that is why they are misleading the investigation. The police too are in favour of the management. Police are trying to hide facts of the case," he alleged.

"Some leaders and organisations are supporting Dr Mohan Alva in this incident. If Alva's institution has gained popularity, it is because of the students and the people of Dakshina Kannada. Kateel school made Kavya a national player. So pro-Alva people should stop supporting him. If not, we will call for a bandh end of this month," he said.

Kavya's mother Baby Poojary urged people to support her fight for justice for her daughter and said, "Alva is trying to escape from this case. He is playing with money and is controlling the police. I request everyone to stand with me and support me. Kavya is my daughter, and at the same time, she is your sister. I have faith in you. You alone can make this fight for justice a success. So please stand with me. Please stand with Kavya."

Former mayor Ashraf said, "I hope the district in-charge minister and our chief minister Siddaramaiah listen to our demand. If not, we will be compelled to protest against them. We do not care about political interference or pressure. We will fight for justice for Kavya irrespective of caste and religion."

Anil Das of Karnataka Rakshna Vedike said, "This is injustice to the entire student community. Only mayor Kavita Sanil is present here. It is clear that she is with the students. But where are the other politicians? They seek votes from parents of students during elections, where have they gone now? Why are they supporting Alva? The student community seeks answers.

"Today thousands of students have gathered here to show their support. If there is delay in delivering justice to Kavya, we will bring all them together and plan a future protest," he said.

Billava Samaja leader Naveen Suvarna said, "Twenty days have passed since Kavya's death. Many organisations have protested demanding justice and fair investigation. But the government has failed to do justice for Kavya's parents. The murderers should be put behind bars. The government needs to take this matter seriously."

ABVP leader Sudeep Shetty said, "I congratulate the students who have gathered here. Kavya is our sister. We will not remain silent on this matter. We want justice. The culprits should be jailed at the earliest. The government should wake up from its slumber and order an impartial probe."

Social activist Robert Rosario said, "Today's protest is a just sample. Parents and students across Karnataka are angry over Kavya's death. Police and Mohan Alva are facing allegations of destroying evidence. PT teacher of Alva's school Praveen is directly involved in the murder, and should be put behind bars. The investigation should be done in a fair and proper way."

Kavya's father Lokesh, Birver Kudla president Udaya Kumar, CITU leader Sunil Kumar Bajal, Billava Ekikarana Samiti secretary Ravi, SFI district president Nitin Kuttar, DYFI president Santhosh Bajal, Dalita Sanghatane member Anand Bellare, parents of Soujanya who was murdered in Dharmasthala and many others were present.

Students came from various colleges by 20 buses arranged by Biruver Kudla.