Homestay attack: Kin of 5 arrested claim innocence

The family members of five persons (out of 24) who were arrested in connection with the Morning Mist homestay attack, said that the arrested Taranath, Venugopal, Taranath Alva, Rajesh and Ramesh Kotian are innocent.

Addressing a press meet here on Tuesday, the family members said that the five accused do not have anything to do with the homestay attack.

Chandrika Alva, wife of Taranath Alva said “Alva had only been to the spot to see what was happening as people had gathered in front of the homestay.  By the time he went there, the incident had already taken place. He has got nothing to do with the attack”
She said that Alva was working as a AC mechanic and not involved in any organisations. “Following their arrest, all the five family member are in distress.

Myself and my father-in-law are staying at home. We are finding it difficult to carry our day-to-day activities without the bread winner of the family. My father-in-law needs medical attention and his medical expenses alone come up to Rs 2,000 every month. We are busy with running around meeting people asking them to get our dear ones released. For the first time in our life, we have stepped into police stations and court,” she said.

My husband has not been involved in any immoral activities till now, she asserted.
Claiming the innocence of her husband, Vidyavathi, wife of Venugopal, said that her husband was an autorickshaw driver, who was responding to the needs of the people who were in distress.

“I have a baby and do not have any one to look after. I feel sad by looking at the face of my child. In fact, my husband and Alva were on their way back home, when they saw a group of people in front of the homestay. Out of curiosity, they too stopped the auto and visited the homestay to know what was happening.”

Sarvani, mother of Taranath Kannur too said that her son was innocent. Taranath is the younger brother of Subhash Padil who was not in the city when the attack took place, she said and added that he was on his way to Mysore when he was informed that his brother Subhash has sustained injuries on his head and is admitted to the hospital. So he returned from Farangipet and visited him in the hospital. However, the police arrested him too, though he was not at all connected with the incident.

Srividya, sister of Rajesh said that he too had been to visit Padil, at hospital. In fact, Rajesh was at home, when the incident took place.

Nalinakshi, wife of Ramesh Kotian said that Ramesh was at home at the time of the incident. However, he visited a neighbourhood shop to get eatables for the children. Looking at the crowd, he too went to the spot.” “We were leading a dignified life so far. Now, we do not know what to do,” they said.

The family members said that they have even met the Police Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner asking for their intervention. However, it was of not much use, they said.