Government announces ₹10 lakh compensation to the family of the slain Bajrang Dal activist

Deepak Rao, Bajrang Dal and BJP worker who was hacked to death at Katipalla near Surathkal here on Wednesday, was cremated at Katipalla on Thursday afternoon amid high drama.

The police foiled attempts by Sangh Parivar outfits to take the body in a procession from A.J. Hospital in the city, where the autopsy was conducted, to avoid escalation of tension in the area. They shifted the body to Rao’s residence early on Thursday morning. Parivar activists did not allow delivery of the body from the ambulance and demanded Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy’s visit and payment of ₹50 lakh as compensation to Rao’s family. Deputy Commissioner Sasikanth Senthil S. had to mollify Rao’s family members as well as activists.

“I am here representing the government. The incident should not have happened,” he said while announcing an immediate compensation of ₹5 lakh to the family. Another ₹5 lakh compensation would come from the Chief Minister’s fund, he said, and added that he would recommend to the government for an enhanced compensation.

Following this, the last rites were performed. The body was taken in a procession for about 6 km in Katipalla locality before Rao’s younger brother performed the last rites.

Rao’s mother, Prema, who was inconsolable, said the almighty would punish the guilty. She told reporters that her son had built the house in which they lived, raising a loan.

Prohibitory orders

City Police Commissioner T.R. Suresh had clamped prohibitory orders under Section 35 of the Karnataka Police Act, banning any procession till Thursday night.

Meanwhile, shops and other business establishments in and around Surathkal, including at Katipalla and Krishnapura, remained closed throughout the day. .