Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Apr 13: A day after the alleged murder of fisherman Raju Kotian near Kotepura in Ullal near here, members of the Mogaveera community on Wednesday April 13 staged a strong protest by placing Raju's body in front of the Ullal police station.
Raju Kotian (41), a resident of Mogaveerapatna near Kotepura, was found dead on Tuesday April 12 with his face smashed. It was alleged to be a case of murder. The same evening, women from Mogaveera community had gheraoed Ullal police station and urged the police to arrest the culprits within 24 hours.
On Wednesday, Raju's body was taken in a procession from his house to the Ullal police station via sea road and Ullal junction. The protestors placed the body in front of the police station and expressed ire against the cops.
"Despite repeated atrocities against the Mogaveera community in Ullal, the police have not arrested the accused so far. Incidents of stabbing, assault and damage to houses have been occuring frequently, but the police have still not traced the culprits. But when there is any allegation against a Mogaveera, the police barge into the house and make arrests. Why have the same police not arrested anyone for Raju Kotian's murder?" the protestors said.
Demanding a compensation of Rs 50 lac for Raju Kotian's family, president of Ullal Mogaveera Samaj Bharat Kumar said, "Raju Kotian was an innocent person who worked hard for his living. If you see the condition of his family you would shed not tears but blood. Raju had taken the responsibility of his entire family including his physically challenged brother. But now the bereaved family is in dire straits. The government should immediately provide a compensation of Rs 50 lac to the family."
More than a thousand people participated in the funeral procession and the protest, shouting slogans against the state government.
The police deployed four KSRP teams to prevent any untoward incident. DCP K M Shantaraju, ASPs Kalyan Shetty, Uday M Nayak, Madan Gaonkar, CCB police, Konaje and Ullal police teams were also present.
Five in custody: In connection with the case, the police on Wednesday morning took four suspects into custody. The total number of suspects in custody is now five, with one being taken in on April 12 evening.
U T Khader visits: Earlier in the day, health minister and MLA U T Khader visited the hospital in Deralakatte where Raju's body had been kept and paid his last respects. He said that he has already instructed the higher police officers to form a special police team to investigate the case. He also requested the people to maintain peace and cooperate with the police and not do anything that would disrupt the probe.