Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Jan 4: Amid the uproar over the killing of right-wing activist Deepak Rao at Katipalla near Mangaluru, chief minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday January 4 condemned the murder and appealed to the people of Dakshina Kannada district to 'not be swayed' by communal forces.
"I condemn the dastardly act of murdering young Deepak Rao, and offer my deepest condolences to the family for their loss.
"While we know the loss is irreparable, we have announced Rs 10 lakhs as compensation to the family. We share in their grief (sic)," the chief minister tweeted.
"My sincere appeal to the citizens of Dakshina Kannada not to be swayed by mischievous propaganda by forces that seek to divide our society on communal lines," he said in another tweet.
The CM also appreciated the Mangaluru city police for swiftly catching hold of the accused and said that he has asked the city police commissioner to ensure fair investigation.
"I compliment the Mangalore City Police for swiftly arresting the culprits. Have also asked the Mangalore Police Commissioner to ensure fair investigation so that the culprits of Deepak Rao, are punished to the fullest extent of law (sic)," he said.
Deepak Rao was hacked to death by a gang of four at Katipalla on Wednesday January 3. Within hours, the Mulky police succeeded in nabbing hold of the four accused in a dramatic chase. The opposition BJP and right-wing organizations meanwhile resorted to intense protests and observed a bandh in Katipalla.