Yediyurappa does U-turn on compensation to Mangaluru firing victims; says none will be paid until investigation proves them innocent

Mangaluru violence was premeditated conspiracy, says Yediyurappa

Karnataka Chief Minister B S. Yediyurappa. File photo

Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Wednesday reversed his earlier announcement that the kin of those killed in police firing last week would be paid a compensation of ₹10 lakh each.

Speaking to reporters in Mangaluru, he said that  compensation could not be paid until investigation into the violent incidents prove that the two are innocent.

The Government has announced a CID as well as Magisterial inquiry into the violence. 

Mr. Yediyurappa on Sunday had announced a compensation of ₹10 lakh each to the kin of the two victims of police firing.

Nausin, 23, and Jalil Kudroli, 49, were killed on Thursday during a protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and the proposed National Register of Citizens.

While the family and eye witnesses have claimed that the two were uninvolved in the agitation and were bystanders, the police have named them as accused in FIR.

'Premeditated conspiracy'

Terming the December 19 Mangaluru violence as a premeditated conspiracy, Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa on Wednesday said those directly involved in the violence will be arrested immediately and dealt with as per law.

Speaking to reporters here late last night on his arrival from Kannur, Mr. Yediyurappa said it was becoming clear about persons behind the conspiracy with evidence emerging. The probes ordered would continue and nobody would be spared by the government, he said.

“As the real facts are before us, I will direct the police to immediately arrest those directly involved in the violence,” Mr. Yediyurappa said.

Asked about disturbance by a few activists during his Tuesday’s Kerala visit and alleged government failure to offer adequate protection, he said he would not comment on the State’s government. “We have not said people from a particular State were involved in the violence. Investigation and probe would reveal the involvement of the concerned, he said.

On statements by leaders of Opposition parties demanding judicial probe and that the videos were concocted, Mr. Yediyurappa said with concrete evidence coming out, they should behave responsibly at least now.