Daijiworld Media Network-Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru May 2: "Dakshina Kannada district has been witnessing communal violence in the recent past. Some local BJP leaders and saffron outfits labelled murder of Karthik Raj as politically motivated and projected it as communal conflict to disturb the peace in the society,” said district in-charge minister Ramanath Rai.
Rai was addressing the media here on Monday May 1.
"When Karthik Raj was murdered, former chief minister Yeddyurappa claimed that it was a politically motivated murder. MP Nalin Kumar Kateel ferociously said that he will set fire to the district. These types of statements create fear and confusion in the minds of the people. I congratulate entire police team for nabbing the culprits of Karthik Raj murder,” he added.
“Jaleel Karopadi was also brutally murdered in my constituency and attempt was made to divert the case. Credit goes to SP and IGP for arresting 11 persons relating to this case. Jaleel was socially and politically active which made him to rise in his political career. Police are investigating the case and mastermind will end up behind the bars soon," Rai opined.
"Home minister Dr G Parameshwar will visit Jaleel's residence at Karopadi on Tuesday May 2. After that he will address the party representatives at Congress office," Rai said.
Coming down heavily on union minister Ananth Kumar who had said that Congress lacked leadership in the district, Rai said, "Ananth Kumar need to remember that Congress is dominating in 7 out of 8 Assembly constituencies and this district has two ministers in the state. We have active youth leaders who can become handy to strengthen the party. Even at MCC, Congress is ruling,"
When asked about ‘Mangaluru Chalo’ rally, Ramanath Rai said, "The case has been taken up by COD. Based on its report, stringent action will be taken. Justice will be provided to two innocent persons Prakash and Sudarshan who were allegedly attacked by Ahmed Qureshi.”
District interim Congress president Ibrahim Kodijal, Shashidhar Hegde and others were present.