Moodbidri murder: UTK turns down demand for Rs 25 lakh, rubbishes allegations

Mangaluru, Oct 29: UT Khader, Minister for Health and Family Welfare, has said that the allegations made by communal forces against K Abhaychandra Jain, Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, that the latter was shielding those involved in Moodbidri Bajrang Dal activist murder, are baseless.

Responding to the queries of media persons in the city, Mr Khader said that none of the elected representatives from Congress in coastal Karnataka including mr Jain and DK district in-charge minister B Ramanath Rai were in support of the accused in the case.

The Congress leaders will condemn all criminal acts, irrespective of their communal nature, without any discrimination against religious or political organisations, he said.

“Youth should refrain from becoming involved in outfits indulging in communal clashes or spreading communal hatred. People from all castes and classes in the society should unitedly oppose all actions meant to instigate communal fights in their respective areas,” he said.

Countering the BJP’s demand for Rs 25 lakh as compensation for the family of Prashant Poojary, the minister said that the latter was a victim of personal rivalry. In the case of Kabir who was shot by ANF personnel a year ago, he was killed when he was shot by a member of the force employed by the government – which is why his family was compensated, he clarified.

Prashant Poojary, a flower vendor and active member of Bajrang Dal was hacked to death by miscreants on October 9 in Moodbidri. Police have already arrested 10 persons in connection with the case. Police have also confirmed Poojary’s involvement in illegal activities and attacks in Moodbdiri area in recent months.