Kin of riot victim throws compensation money on Siddaramaiah's convoy, seeks justice
Bagalkote, Jul 15: High drama unfolded on Friday when the kin of a communal riot victim in the district, refused to accept the compensation amount provided by Senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah and threw it at his convoy, seeking justice.
The incident occurred this morning when Siddaramaiah had gone to visit the injured persons admitted in the government hospital.
Sources said the former CM gave Rs 50,000 to each injured person as compensation. This enraged a Hindu as well as a Muslim family, who insisted on getting justice.
When the Leader of Opposition in the assembly was returning after handing over the amount to an injured youth, his sister vented her ire. She told Siddaramaiah that she wanted justice and not money. The Congress leader then tried to pacify her and left the place.
The woman, Nazma tried to pursue Siddaramaiah's car and threw the bundle of currency on the convoy, a video of which has gone viral.
Later speaking to reporters, she said she wanted justice and not money.
Hindus and Muslims need justice. We have to live like the children of one mother. No one should suffer the way we are suffering, she said adding none of the leaders came to visit them immediately after the violence in Kerur town in the district.
Reacting to the incident, Siddaramaiah said someone must have instigated the woman. He also claimed that the family finally accepted the money.
The money has been given to them. It was given out of humanity. It's not that it will be sufficient to mitigate all the difficulties they are facing, the former CM said.
We public representatives are here to ensure that no such incident occurs. People should ask the Chief Minister and the BJP leaders. You should ask this question (seeking justice) to them, Siddaramaiah said.
The BJP hit back at Siddaramaiah, saying the appeasement of the Congress veteran enraged the woman, who threw money on his vehicle. In a tweet, the party said, Siddaramaiah has used the donation collected under Siddaramotsava drive' to show his pride... The party also said that the extreme appeasement of Siddramaiah enraged the woman who threw money on his vehicle.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Violence reported in several parts of Kerala after civic poll results
Kozhikode (PTI): Violence erupted overnight at various places across Kerala, particularly in northern districts, following the announcement of local body election results, police said.
In Eramala in Kozhikode district, tension prevailed throughout the night after the Indira Gandhi Bhavan, a Congress office, was allegedly attacked by CPI(M) workers.
According to an FIR registered at Edachery police station, around 200 people marched towards the Congress office carrying dangerous weapons and vandalised the building, causing damage estimated at around Rs five lakh.
A statue of late prime minister Indira Gandhi was also damaged in the attack, police said. Soon after, UDF activists gathered at the spot, further aggravating the situation.
ALSO READ: Attempt to shield 'infiltrators': BJP ahead of Cong's rally against 'vote theft'
However, with the deployment of additional police personnel, the situation was brought under control, an officer said.
Police said another violent incident was reported at Marad, where stones were allegedly pelted at a UDF victory procession, leaving several persons injured.
In Sultan Bathery in Wayanad district, police registered a case after a car carrying a UDF activist and his family members was allegedly attacked by around 40 CPI(M) workers, an official said.
Sultan Bathery police also booked UDF activists in a separate incident for allegedly attacking a CPI(M) worker who objected to the bursting of crackers near his house, the officer said.
In Panoor in Kannur district, houses of several Muslim League activists were allegedly attacked by CPI(M) workers. Vehicles parked at the houses were also damaged.
According to Panoor police, the violence broke out after a UDF victory rally was allegedly stopped by CPI(M) workers armed with swords and daggers. Some UDF leaders sustained injuries in the clash.
Clashes were also reported between UDF and LDF workers at Ulikkal in Kannur district, though police intervention brought the situation under control later in the night, an officer in the Ulikkal police station said.
In Bedakom in Kasaragod district, an LDF victory march turned violent after CPI(M) activists allegedly intercepted UDF workers passing through the area. Some policemen who intervened suffered minor injuries, an officer said.
Similar violence was reported from Neyyattinkara in Thiruvananthapuram district following clashes between CPI(M) and BJP workers. Police said workers from both sides sustained minor injuries and were admitted to hospitals. Cases will be registered after formal complaints are received, police said.
