Huge protest in Koppal over youth’s murder

A large number of people, under the umbrella of Akhila Karnataka Valmiki Nayak Mahasabha, took part in a protest rally here on Monday, condemning the alleged murder of 23-year-old Gavisiddappa Nayak by a group of Muslim youths.

The youth, who belonged to the Valmiki community, was reportedly in love with a Muslim girl. Nayak was hacked to death in front of a mosque in the town on August 3. The police have arrested four youths.

The traders expressed their solidarity with the agitation and shut shops as an undeclared bandh was observed in the town.  Thousands took out a procession from Gadiyar Kambh (clock tower) to Ashoka Circle.

The agitators raised slogans demanding exemplary punishment to the perpetrators of the crime. Addressing the protest rally, former minister and Valmiki community leader Rajugouda Nayak said, “People from Hindu community cutting across the caste barriers, took part in the agitation and thereby demonstrated the Hindu strength. It was a supari killing, he alleged. He demanded a thorough investigation into the murder and provided stringent punishment to those involved in the heinous crime.”

The district police had turned Koppal town into a fortress. Ballari IGP Vartika Katiyar and Koppal SP Ram Arasiddi walked along with the agitators to ensure there’s no untoward incident during the procession.