Bengaluru : " I do not have any political aspirations. But, if pressurised I am ready to plunge into politics. It has its own responsibilities and I would not like to shrug them off," said noted multi-lingual actor Prakash Rai.
He was speaking after receiving the Man of the year Award conferred on him by the Press Club here on December 31, Sunday. "Karnataka's capital Bengaluru is also known as Bendakaluru. No scope must be given for peace disruptors to have their way here. No scope must also be given to those who do not belong here to come here and rule us. We must question them and crush the forces that disrupt peace by passing information about them" said Prakash.
"I was disturbed after journalist Gauri Lankesh's murder. It brought much changes in me. Later I began to speak not just as an actor but as a citizen of this nation. Several have criticised me, some even personally,. I do not differentiate between anyone. I have raised several questions through the hash tag Just Asking. I am not in favour of any party," Prakash Rai clarified.
"I have got wealth, success and everything in life. I have raised my conscience through my interactions with my Gurus- Lankesh, Tejaswi and others. This is why I am questioning the present state of affairs," said Rai.
"Today India is haunted by casteist politics. There is dictatorship in a democratic land. Everyone must raise voice against it. Even journalists are living in an atmosphere of fear. Efforts are underway to silence the voices of journalists who raise voice against injustice, oppression and dictatorship. Therefore, as an artiste I am responding to the society. Everyone must fight against injustice," Prakash Rai said.
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Ranchi (PTI): The body of a migrant worker from Jharkhand’s Giridih district killed in Saudi Arabia in October last year has arrived at Ranchi Airport, but his family refused to accept it over pending compensation, officials said.
Shikha Lakra, team leader of the state migrant control cell, told PTI that, before taking the body of Vijay Kumar Mahato, the family is demanding compensation from the private company where he used to work in the Arab country.
Mahato was killed in an alleged crossfire between the police and criminals.
“Since it was a bullet injury case, the matter is before a court in Jeddah. The final compensation may depend on the court’s decision,” Lakra said.
“The Indian Embassy informed us about the body’s arrival, and coordination was done with district authorities. Our role is limited to coordination in cases involving overseas employers and foreign jurisdiction,” she added.
Giridih Deputy Commissioner Ram Niwas Yadav said the authorities will try to convince the family to perform the last rites.
“We have already sanctioned Rs 5 lakh under the government scheme for migrant’s deaths abroad. The compensation payment might take some time,” he said.
The body is currently at the mortuary of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi.
The Family members said they will only accept it if the company provides written assurance regarding compensation. “Without that assurance, we will not receive the body,” said Ram Prasad Mahato, the deceased’s brother-in-law.
Mahato, a native of Dudhpaniya village in Madh Gopali panchayat under Dumri block, was employed as a tower line fitter. His family said he was struck by a bullet during a gunfight between local police and an extortion gang and later succumbed to his injuries.
Social activist Sikander Ali said Mahato is survived by his wife, two young sons aged five and three, and elderly parents.
