Shravan Shuklapaksha 7, Kaliyug Varsha 5116
Surathkal (Mangalore) : Condemning the relief fund granted to Kabir’s family, who was gunned down by an ANF personnel at Sringeri checkpost, Hindu Jagarana Vedike, Surathkal, convened a protest near Surathkal junction on Thursday, July 31.
Addressing the protestors, Satyajit Surathkal, leader, Hindu Jagarana Vedike, said, “It is a well known fact that Kabir was transporting cattle illegally. Despite several protests and opposition against granting relief fund to his family, the state government has sanctioned Rs 10 lac. This is purely a strategy to attract the Muslim community.”
“The relief fund sanctioned should immediately be withdrawn,” he added.
Rajni Dugganna, former Mayor, Mahesh Murthy Surathkal, Jayaram Acharya, Ganapathy Bangera were present among others.
Incident in detail :
Kabir and four associates were travelling in a pick-up truck transporting cattle when they were stopped at a forest check-post for a routine check at around 3.30 am on April 19 by a police team comprising members of the ANF which operates in the Western Ghats region.
Kabir was shot by ANF constable Naveen G Naik after he allegedly tried to run away. Two of his associates who managed to run away have provided contradictory statements and alleged the ANF personnel fired without provocation. The ANF has claimed its personnel mistook Kabir for a Naxalite because he tried to flee when confronted.
Constable Naik, a 2012 President’s gallantry medal winner for a Naxal encounter, fired around nine rounds from his AK-47, including the three that hit Kabir. He was arrested on April 25 after Umar Farooq, who was in the truck with Kabir, filed a complaint.
Source : Udayavani
