Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Jan 4: MLA Mohiuddin Bava on Thursday December 4 expressed suspicions that the murder of right-wing activist Deepak Rao in Katipalla, which falls under Bava's constituency, was 'politically motivated'.

Addressing a press meet here, Bava said, "I suspect that this murder is politically motivated as accused criminal Pinky Nawaz, his brother Laden Ismail and brother-in-law Mohammed Ali are BJP representatives in Suratkal and Kaup."

Deepak was hacked to death by four assailants in Katipalla on Wednesday January 3. Following the murder, the police arrested four persons in a dramatic chase. The opposition BJP and the right-wing organizations have risen in protest against the murder.

MLA Bava also announced compensation to the family of Deepak Rao. "I strong condemn the attack on Deepak Rao who lost his life. He was the lone bread winner as he lost his father and his brother is speech impaired. So I personally announce Rs 5 lac compensation to the family. I also assure to provide employment to Deepak's brother. I will also provide compensation of Rs 2 lac and Rs 50,000 each to the family of Ahmed Basheer and Mubashir who were attacked at Kottara Chowki and Suratkal, respectively."

Lauding the quick action of the police in arresting the accused hours after the murder, Bava said, "I highly appreciate the work done by the police who opened fire in order to nab the culprits. I will soon felicitate the police who were involved in the operation. I also appreciate the steps taken by the police to take Deepak's body to Katipalla and restrict the funeral procession to avoid any untoward incident.

"I wish the bullet which was fired at the culprits had pierced their body and killed them on the spot. I also wish that all the culprits be hanged," he added.

Suratkal block Congress president Keshav, Surendra, Prithviraj, corporator Prathiba Kulai and others were present.