Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Jun 4: Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Shobha Karandlaje on Monday June 4 claimed that Bajrang Dal activists had not assaulted Hussainabba, the cattle trader who died at Perdoor, and also announced that BJP would hold a protest on Wednesday June 6 if the police did not stop 'harassing innocent Bajrang Dal and VHP activists' in the name of investigation.
Hussainabba and two others were allegedly transporting cattle illegally in the wee hours of May 30 when Bajrang Dal activists along with Hiriadka police waylaid their vehicle near Perdoor. Hussainabba was assaulted by the activists and handed over to the police. On reaching the police station, Hussainabba was found to have died in the police van. The police then dumped the body a kilometre from the crime spot and registered a case of unnatural death stating that he had suffered a cardiac arrest. Ten persons including a local VHP leader, Bajrang Dal activists and three cops have been arrested so far.
Shobha Karandlaje met SP Laxman Nimbargi on Monday in connection to the case and urged him not to 'harass' 'innocent' Sangh Parivar activists needlessly. "In Mangaluru and other parts of Dakshina Kannada, cattle trafficking has increased. The Sangh Parivar activists did not take law into their hands. They only informed the police about the cattle trafficking by Hussainabba. As many as 13 cows were being transported in a Scorpio. When the Scorpio came to the spot, the police jeep was already there. If Sangh Parivar had resorted to assaulting Hussainabba, the police could have intervened and chased them away. Why did the police not take any action on the spot?" she said.
"Now, apart from the activists who are already arrested, the police are also needlessly harassing and torturing other innocent activists," she alleged.
She also took objection to including Brahmavar circle inspector Rafiq in the investigation team. "We had complained about him earlier too. He should not have been included in the probe team. He creates unncessary problems. We cannot remain silent while our activists are being tortured. On Wednesday we will protest," she told the SP.
Speaking to reporters later, Shobha said, "The police should ensure that such incidents do not occur. The police have caught hold of some of Sangh Parivar activists and have tortured them to such an extent that they cannot even walk. As Hussainabba died in police custody, the case will automatically go to CID.
"Two of the 13 cows in the Scorpio had died. This is all happening because the state government is supporting cattle traffickers.
"Neither BJP nor Sangh Parivar activists are involved in Hussainabba's death. He died of cardiac arrest. The police are needlessly harassing the activists to malign the Sangh Parivar. We strongly condemn this," she added.
Asked how she knew that Hussainabba died of cardiac arrest, she said that she had heard reports that Hussainabba had been suffering from heart ailment.
"Bajrang Dal activists handed over Hussainabba to police, but they did not assault him. We will hold a strong protest against the police for ill-treating the activists," she said.
Byndoor MLA Sukumar Shetty, Udupi MLA Raghupati Bhat, Kaup MLA Lalaji Mendon and others were present.