Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Oct 28: Sri Raghavendrateertha Swamiji, former deputy head of Kashi Math Samsthan on Friday October 27 visited the family of slain RTI activist Vinayak Baliga, who was murdered in cold blood in March 2016.
He visited Baliga's house in Kodialbail with his disciples and spent some time with the family members. He assured all support to the legal fight against the murderers.
Expressing fear about the forces who killed her brother, Baliga's sister told Swamiji, "We are fighting for justice with the help of social activists and some progressive thinkers. But we do not know when they may eliminate us too. We need your blessings and help."
Baliga's father said, "My son became a martyr for speaking out the truth. But with money power and political backing, the killers who eliminated my son are roaming freely in society. We believe in our judiciary. We hope the killers will get capital punishment. But we need to fight for that. Your help and blessings will boost our fight."
In response, Swamiji said, "Have no worry. My people and I are with you. The same forces who killed Vinayak Baliga targeted me too. Twice I escaped from them. Once in Pune, they tried to hit my car with a lorry, but by God's grace, that day I was in another car. The second time they targeted me in Kochi. Two people came with a revolver when I was asleep on the floor outside my room. The killers checked my bedroom and returned. God saved me. He is always with those who stand by truth. So do not worry. Go ahead with the legal procedures.
"We need to form a trust in order to get justice for Vinayak. We will provide the initial amount for this trust. It will help you and your family in further legal proceedings and to meet court expenses," he told the family.
"I was saddened by Vinayak Baliga's murder, but could not visit the family until now. But I was determined to visit the family after arriving in Mangaluru," he said.
Raghavendrateertha Swamiji returned to Mangaluru last week after six years of remaining underground, following conflict with Sri Sudhindrateertha, the then head of Kashi Math.