Haveri Firing Violence Erupts During Victim's Funeral
Haveri, June 11 (MRS): Violence rocked Haveri town for the second day today as angry farmers gave vent to their ire during the funeral procession of Siddhalingappa Chennappa Churi (34), who was killed yesterday when the Police opened fire on the farmers, who were agitating for fertilizer.
The body of Churi was brought from Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) in Hubli to Haveri this morning and kept it at his residence till noon.
The funeral procession commenced at around 1 pm. Though the procession was initially peaceful, a group of farmers turned violent when the procession reached Siddappa Circle where Churi was killed in the firing.
The farmers pelted stones on the Police van, car of Superintendent of Police and a jeep belonging to his office. The Police personnel on duty at the circle left the place without retaliating when the farmers tried to attack them.
Another group attacked the office of the Deputy Superintendent of Police and destroyed wireless sets and furniture.
They also attacked Raitha Sampark Kendra. The farmers gheraoed the IPS officer Srikumar who has been deputed as officer on special duty to Haveri.
The Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa, who had announced in the morning in Bangalore that he would visit Haveri, reached the town only after the funeral of the victim was held around 2 pm.
The Police had earlier advised him to cancel the visit in view of the tense situation.
Yeddyurappa met the family members of Churi and consoled them. He said that he too was sad over the incident. He promised a Government job to one of the family members.
Earlier in the morning, Yeddyurappa held a meeting with Ministers and top officials and discussed the situation at his Home Office Krishna at 9 am where he announced that he would visit Haveri soon after the meeting.
Tension prevailed at Churi's residence when Public Minister C.M. Udasi came there to pay last respects.
The agitated people took the Minister to task. They also warned the Minister not to attend the funeral.