Leaders from Timmapurpet locality in Raichur have appealed to their counterparts in Harijanwada locality to convince their youth and maintain peace in the larger interests of both the areas and the city.
Addressing a media conference at the Reporters’ Guild, K. Shanthappa, A. Mareppa, Kadagol Anjaneya, K.T. Narasanna, Narasimhalu, Doddamallayya and others leaders clarified that they never supported Murali Yadav and his associates who had attacked and critically injured three youth from Harijanwada triggering group clash and tension between the two localities on May 13.
“It is true that Murali Yadav is from Timmapurpet. But, neither the whole locality nor its leaders ever supported him for his misdeeds. His attack on three dalit youth from Harijanwada and counter-attack of Harijanwada youth on Murali Yadav’s business establishments are their personal matter. Complaints and counter-complaints were lodged, cases were booked against both the parties and the law will take its own course. The entire locality should not be held responsible for the misdeeds of some. It is not a clash between two localities. Nor is it a fight between two communities,” Mr. Shanthappa said.
He said that after the clash, some youths from Harijanwada had been roaming in groups in Timmapurpet threatening its residents of bigger counter-attacks. “We at Timmapurpet have been making serious attempts to maintain peace by constantly persuading our youth. I expect similar initiatives from the leaders of Harijanwada. They should convince and control their youth and maintain peace.”
Mr. Shanthappa denied allegations that the Congress was backing and protecting Murali Yadav and his associates involved in the attacks. “It is true that Murali Yadav was a Congress functionary and leader of its youth wing. It doesn’t necessarily mean that the party supports whatever he does. No Congress leader has made any attempt to protect him from the clutches of law,” he clarified.
S. Mareppa, senior CMC councillor, demanded that the government pay compensation to the family of the woman who died during the group clash.
