Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Dec 14: The district BJP on Thursday December 14 alleged that police and bureacrats were involved in the death of Paresh Mesta in Honnavar as they are 'supporting Muslim youths' who 'murdered' Mesta with sharp weapons. He also announced a massive protest.
Addressing a press meet here, BJP district president Mattaru Ratnakar Hegde said, "The police and bureaucrats are involved in the crime. They are supporting the Muslim youths who had sharp weapons. Paresh was murdered and thrown in the Shettikere lake.
"Why did the police hide the body of the deceased when chief minister’s programme was going on? What was the reason behind it? He was killed brutally by a group of miscreants," he alleged
"Despite knowing about the culprits, the police have not revealed their names. They haven’t taken adequate action against them even though they were seen standing near the Shani temple holding weapons. What is the reason for this? The locals suspect that police is hand in glove with the perpetrators."
Further accusing the state government, he said, "The state government is trying to close the case by twisting the post-mortem report of the murdered Paresh Mesta. No support has been extended to his family.
"PFI has connection with ISIS terror organization but the chief minister has allowed PFI to hold a conference in Palace Grounds and in sensitive areas like Mangaluru. In spite of growing crimes, the CM is not taking any action against PFI. There is a rumour that PFI is recruiting candidates for ISIS," he claimed.
"PFI itself has already proved that it killed Sharath Madivala and Rudresh. In the entire episode, the chief minister has kept quiet without taking any action. He is afraid of taking stern action due to vote bank politics.
"CM Siddaramaiah did not seek information from the intelligence department about the recent killing of Mesta. He calls himself a Hindu but does not speak when Hindus are killed. We want all cases, including the Honnavar case to be handed over to the National Investigating Agency (NIA). The government should file criminal cases against KFD and PFI activists," Hegde demanded.
Commenting on minister Ramanath Rai’s recent 'Harmony Walk', he said, "It was just ridiculous. His walk was not harmonious but on the death of Hindus, as he failed to condemn the murders of Sharath and Paresh."
He also announced a strong protest over the death of Paresh Mesta. "BJP will hold a massive protest rally on Monday, December 18 condemning the death of Paresh. Thousands of BJP workers will join the protest. We will also hold a mass protest at the Udupi Ajjarkad Military Martyrs Memorial on Friday December 15."
"Officers responsible in mishandling the case should be suspended, especially those who are with the jihadists. The state government should give compensation for Paresh's family," he added.
BJP leaders Yashpal Suvarna, Shreesha Naik and Prabhakar were present.