MLA prays for death sentence to culprits of Deepak's murder

Mangaluru North MLA B A Mohiyuddin Bava has condemned the murder of Deepak Rao, who was murdered in Katipalla on Wednesday.

Addressing reporters at his office here on Thursday, the MLA said that the incident is heinous and the assailants should not be spared. "I will pray to the God that all the four criminals be hanged to death by the court," Bava said.

The MLA announced a compensation of Rs five lakh from his side, despite a compensation of Rs 10 lakh announced by the chief minister's fund, through the deputy commissioner to the bereaved family of Deepak Rao. He said he will also guarantee a permanent job for Deepak's younger brother, who is speech and hearing impaired.

He also condemned the deadly attacks on two persons – Ahmed Bashir of Kavoor and Mubassir of Bunder on Thursday. From his personal funds, the MLA announced a compensation of Rs two lakh to Ahmed Bashir, who is in a serious condition, and also Rs 50,000 to Mubassir. He said he has requested the government to bear the expenses of their medical treatment.

While thanking the police officials of Panambur and Surathkal for arresting the accused of Deepak's murder, Bava said he has requested the home minister and the top police officials to provide justice to the bereaved family.

Apology

Bava said he apologises to the people that he was not able to stop the untoward incident in his constituency. He also urged to depute more police personnel in Mangaluru North constituency.

He meanwhile denied the allegations by Chikkamagaluru MLA C T Ravi who stated on Wednesday that Bava was trying to protect the culprits. "The Chikkamagaluru MLA should take back his remarks as they are removed from the truth. The police have nabbed the accused on Wednesday evening, which proves that Ravi's allegation is false. There is no question of protecting the culprits at all," Bava insisted.

The MLA said that during the murder incident, he was in New Delhi to meet Rajya Sabha MP Oscar Fernandes in connection with provision of area development fund. Bava learnt of the incident through MP Nalin Kumar Kateel. Soon after, Bava rushed to the airport, took a connecting flight to Bengaluru and then to Mangaluru, without even checking out from his hotel room. He later went to the hospital where the mortal remains of Deepak Rao were kept. However, he could not attend the funeral owing to law and order issues, Bava narrated.

The legislator also said that he suspects the role of Ladan Ismail, a BJP member who is the elder brother of Pinki Nawaz, one of the accused, behind the murder. Also he is suspicious about Nawaz relative Muhammed Ali. However, it is up to the police to get into it, he said.

Congress leaders Keshav Sanil, Prithviraj, Shashidhar Hegde, Sadashiv Shetty, Pratibha Kulain and others were present at the press meet.