Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Feb 16: Shankar Poojary from Basrur, who was jailed in Kuwait for carrying banned drug in May 2018, has demanded compensation from Mubarak, the person who made him carry the banned tablets which were to be delivered to his mother-in-law Tasleema.

Addressing a press meet at Brahmagiri, here on Saturday, February 17, Poojary who was working in Kuwait Agricultural and Food Products Company, said that he has lost his job and for seven month he was in jail for carrying banned drug.

“Mubarak is the reason I lost my job and suffered in jail and he has to pay me seven months’ salary as compensation,” said Shankar Poojary.

Poojary thanked Udupi Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) president Ansar Ahmed, who showed special interest in releasing him from Kuwait jail. District administration had paid special attention for his release. Pushparaj, businessman of Mumbai, Tulu Koota Association, and Billava Association had worked for Poojary’s release. As result of their collective effort, Kuwait court released him on January 15. He landed in Mumbai from Kuwait and later took a train to his native. He reached Basrur railway station on January 21.

“Tasleema did not try to meet me even once in Kuwait. If she had come to me with proper proof, they would have released me early. I was behind the bars for seven months and without salary. I have two children and they are pursuing their education. After I returned, Mubarak did not meet me at least once for the sake of courtesy,” alleged Poojary.

“My wife Jyothi suffered a lot while trying to meet expenses without any source of income. Police need to take some action against Mubarak,” he demanded.

“I served for five years in my company. If I was given VRS, I would have got my benefits. The company I worked for fired me because of this episode. I do not have any other option for livelihood. Mubarak must pay me seven months of my salary. I have borrowed loans from bank. I am in great difficulty,” he said.

“Around Rs 6 lacs was spent to obtain my release with the help of various organisations. Now I am looking forward to start my life again and look after my family,” he said.

Jyothi, wife of Shankar, said, “It was very disappointing as no government or any union minister, external affairs minister helped to obtain release for my husband. They turned a deaf ear towards our grief. I approached KRV and they helped a lot. The seven months was the most difficult time of my life.”

Ansar Ahmed, president of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike was present.