Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Jan 6: The family of Deepak Rao, who was murdered in Katipalla recently, has refused to accept Rs 5 lac compensation from Mangaluru North MLA Mohiuddin Bava from his personal fund.

MLA Bava along with MLC Ivan D'Souza visited the residence of Deepak's family at Katipalla on Friday January 5 in order to offer his condolences. In addition, the family members took the MLA to task about the secret operation in which Deepak's body was brought to the residence from the hospital.

Bava offered his condolences to Deepak's mother and his family members. However, the members of family expressed their outrage at the MLA for not attending Deepak's funeral. The MLA told the family members that he did not attend the funeral on the suggestion of the police in order to maintain law and order on the day of the funeral. He also told them that he had visited the hospital on the night of the murder itself to express his sympathy.

He also assured the family that he will do his best to get all the benefits from the government.

Opposition spreading hatred: Bava

"I have successfully prevented communal violence in my constituency in the last four years and eight months. As the assembly elections are nearing, the opposition is spreading communal hatred and trying to grab power as they are not able to find any other reason. I do not believe in politics of violence or caste politics. I am ready to swear on the Quran or the Bible or at any temple on this subject.

"I do not have any relation or business with the accused persons in this case. I have information that the accused have worked for BJP during the last elections. There is a suspicion that there is more than the issue of bunting behind this murder. Request will be put forth with the chief minister to conduct relevant inquiry in this case," accused Bava.

Chief whip of the Legilative Council Ivan D'Souza who spoke on the occasion said, "Opposition has to restrain from giving speeches instigating communal feelings in order to grab power. They should also give up cheap politics in order to gain from the same politically. State government is trying relentlessly to maintain peace in the district as well as the state and BJP has to join in this effort keeping aside politics."

Pratibha Kulai, Basheer Ahmed, Keshava Sanil, Deepak Poojari, Surendra Kambli and Y Raghavendra Rao were present.