Govt responsible for VHP man's death, says Ashoka

The State BJP, on Wednesday, demanded that the government should order a judicial probe into the death of a Vishwa Hindu Parishat (VHP) activist in Kodagu district on Tuesday.

In a statement released to the media, former deputy chief minister R Ashoka held the government directly responsible for the death of Kuttappa who was peacefully protesting against the government’s decision to organise Tipu Sultan Jayanti. Steps should be taken to immediately arrest those responsible for the death of Kuttappa. Besides, the government should give Rs 25 lakh compensation to his family members, Ashoka said.

Siddu takes on BJP
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, however, held the BJP responsible for the death of Kuttappa, saying that the incident would not have happened if the saffron party had not taken out a protest march.

“Kuttappa has not been murdered as claimed by BJP. He (Kuttappa) died accidentally when he fell down from a wall. The Regional Commissioner has been asked to conduct a probe. There is a provision to give Rs five lakh as compensation to the family members of those killed in communal clashes and it will be given,” he stated. He was speaking to reporters after holding a meeting with Home Minister G Parameshwara.

The home minister said the government had taken all necessary steps to ensure peace and harmony in Kodagu district in the wake of the death of the VHP activist. Opposition parties should help the government in maintaining communal harmony. The BJP should drop its plan to call for a bandh in Kodagu on November 13, he said.

On Mysuru-Kodagu BJP MP Pratap Simha receiving threat messages, Parameshwara said measures will be taken to provide him protection.