Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR) and district in-charge Minister H.K. Patil visited Battur village of Shirahatti taluk in Gadag district on Thursday and met the family members of Shivanand Goni alias Ganiger who have accused the police of being responsible for Shivanand Goni’s death.
On Sunday, following the death of Shivanand Goni, an irate mob vandalised Laxmeshwar Police Station and set on fire several vehicles, including a police vehicle.
Mr. Patil interacted with the family members of Shivanand Goni and consoled them.
Later, speaking to presspersons, Mr. Patil said that it was regrettable that such violence was witnessed in a peaceful place [Laxmeshwar] and what was troubling was that a police station was vandalised.
“There have been accusations and counter accusations in the aftermath of the death of Shivanand Goni. Already, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has begun investigation. Once investigation is completed, the truth will be out,” he said.
The Minister said that there was no clear picture yet on those behind the attack on the police station. The parents of the deceased have accused the police of torturing their son leading to his death and only an inquiry will reveal the truth, he said.
To a query on complaints about innocents being arrested in connection with the violence, the Minister clarified that neither the government nor the Police Department would do such a thing.
He said that all steps were being taken to punish miscreants who had indulged in arson and vandalised the police station.
To a query on compensation to the family, the Minister clarified that any decision on providing compensation to the family would be taken only after the CID submits a report.
