No politics over bodies of dead; remain calm, appeals Siddaramaiah

"People who are inhuman kill others. They are enemies of humanity. No one must provoke people to kill each other," warned Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

The CM was reacting to the murder of BJP activist Deepak Rao who was hacked to death on January 3, and a similar attack on Ahmed Basheer--in retaliation to Deepak's murder-- on the same day.  

Basheer who was in M J Hospital's ICU after being operated on several times, succumbed to injuries on Sunday morning.  

He was speaking after inaugurating various development works in Belthangdi,  Dakshina Kannada district, on Sunday.

"It is wrong to play politics on the bodies of dead people. Public should maintain peace," Siddaramaiah remarked.

The Parivatana Yatre rally at Belthangdi, began as per the chief minister's request, after observing a minute of silence for the two departed  individuals.  

Pratap Simha's reaction

Reacting to Ahmed Basheer's demise on Sunday, Mysuru MP Pratap Simha has tweeted that:

"They say an eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind.

Killing Basheer is not the answer for Deepak Rao's murder.

It's time to hold a peace meeting between Hindus and Muslims; as the Congress government has not bothered to bring peace and tranquility in the state."  

Basheer to be laid to rest

Meanwhile, Ahmed Basheer will be laid to rest at the Kulooru Masjid burial ground on Sunday evening when his second son is expected to come from Abu Dhabi according to Basheer's brother Hakeem.  

As news of Basheed's death spread, hundreds gathered at M J Hospital for viewing the body. Hakeem requested the people gathered there to maintain peace, law and order.    

Hakeem informed the media that Basheer's body would be taken home to Akash Bhavan for the women of the family to view it and later to the Kuloor masjid for public viewing and burial.

Amidst tight police security all last rites will be performed.

ADGP Kamal Kanth visited the hospital.

MLA Moiuddin Bava was at the spot.

There was no procession held for the body.  

Minister U T Khader who visited the spot announced a relief of Rs 10 lakh for the family and appealed to people to maintain peace.