Bantwal violence: Rs 5 lakh each granted to families of slain SDPI, RSS activists

Mangaluru, Dec 15: The Karnataka government has granted compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to families of two activists of Social Democratic Party of India and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh who were hacked to death by communal forces earlier this year in Bantwal taluk of Dakshina Kannada district.

Mohammed Ashraf Kalai, a social activist and local leader of SDPI was murdered in broad daylight at Benjanapadavu on June 21. The police arrested seven miscreants in connection with the murder.

Sharath Madiwala, an RSS activist was stabbed by miscreants at his laundry shop in BC Road on July 4. Though Madiwala was immediately rushed to a hospital by a Muslim activist, the former breathed his last two days later. The police arrested 10 persons in this case

The two deaths had exacerbated communal tensions across Bantwal taluk. The district administration had clamped prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code in the region for around two months.

The Home Department, in its orders on November 27 and December 11, respectively, has asked the Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner to release Rs 5 lakh each to the families of Madiwala and Ashraf.

Releasing copies of the orders granting compensation at a press meet yesterday, Food and Civil Supplies Minister U T Khader said that the State government had taken action as per its commitment made to the victims’ families.

The orders said that the State government has fixed compensation to those who have lost lives or have suffered damage during communal trouble. The compensation was granted as per the recommendation made by the Deputy Commissioner on November 9, the orders said.