Assault on cattle traders: KKSV demand action against culprits

Udupi, August 25: A group of people under the banner of Karnataka Komu Sauharda Vedike (KKSV) on Thursday staged a dharna in front of the District Police Office demanding immediate arrest of the miscreants who brutally assaulted cattle trader and his two aides recently.

Addressing the protesters, G Rajashekhar, President of Udupi district unit of KKSV accused the police of acting according to the wish of Sangh Parivar leaders. “Although the police know that those who have been assaulted by saffron goons were innocents, they are planning to slap case against victims”, he said.

Explaining the background of last week's assault, Mr Rajashekhar said cattle trader Umarabba had purchased a cow and a calf from Jagadish Shetty of Kanajar for an amount of Rs. 3,000. He and two aides Ibrahim and Ranjit were attacked mercilessly by a 20 miscreants of Sangh Parivar while taking the purchased cattle.

He said that police are even not ready to inquire what happened, because all three victims were poor, where as the accused are backed by Hindutva eaders.

Lashing out at the anti-minority policy of the police and the ruling elite in the Coastal region, Mr Rajashekahar said that the Opposition parties such as Congress and the Janata Dal (Secular) too have failed in their responsibilities. “No one came in support of the three poor victims”, he lamented.

Jayan Malpe, Convener of district unit of Dalit Sangharsha Samiti said that fascist forces were controlling the police in the district. Instead of catching the wrong-doers, the police were targeting innocent people.

He said a major surgery of the police department in the coastal district was essential.

K Phaniraj, Vice President of Udupi district unit of KKSV said that if the Government wanted to stop the sale of cows and calves, it should take steps to provide alternative employment to those who are dependent on cattle trade.