RSS worker Sharath’s Body Taken in Procession to Bantwal
Mangaluru: A large crowd gathered at the mortuary of A J Hospital on July 8 to pay respect to the RSS worker Sharath who died on July 7 after he was brutally assaulted at B C Road on July 4.
Speaking to mangalorean.com former MLA Yogish Bhat said, “Sharath belonged to a very poor family. He was taking care of his parents and three sisters with the help of his laundry business. Sharath was an active member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. He was also providing food for the Anganwadi school students. Sharath was taking part in religious programmes and whenever he had time he used to help the needy people. Those who are behind the killing of Sharath should be arrested, the police department should work with transparency in this case and arrest the culprits. We have lost an honest and good social worker. Today we are taking Sharath’s body to his hometown in a procession which will be followed by the cremation.
Speaking to mangalorean.com Krishna J Palemar said, “Sharath’s murder is a shock to the people of DK. Such incidents have been taking place in the district since many years. Because of the negligence of the government and the failure of law and order in the district such incidents have been repeated. The government should take immediate measures to stop such incidents from taking place and arrest those responsible for his murder as soon as possible.”
Speaking to mangalorean.com Monappa Bhandary said, “Sharath was an active member of the RSS. He was the only brother of his three grown-up sisters and the only bread winner for his family. We condemn the murder of an innocent youth who was involved in social service. After the Congress party came to power, there have been continuous murders in the district and the government is playing politics. If the government stops playing politics and treats everyone equally the law and order situation will improve in the district. On July 7, CM Siddaramaiah visited Mangaluru and assured of taking action but so far he has not done anything. There are two organizations, the PFI and SDPI in the district creating problems by posting inciting posts about the Hindu leaders on the social media. The state government should take strict action against those who are inciting and creating violence in the district.”
The body was taken in a procession from the hospital to B C Road. Convener of Bajrang Dal Sharan Pumpwell, HJV leader Satyajith Suratkal, VHP leader Jagadish Shenava, Harish Punja, Bhujang Kulal, Punith Kottari, Gopal Kuthar, Roopa D Bangera, Dr Bharat and others were also present.
This is the ugly face of communal violence. It’s always the poor, vulnerable people who end up paying the heavy price, not those leaders who roam around with protection and live in safety. Based on media reports, this guy was a low profile, harmless person whose only crime was the association with RSS. Clearly, the killers were trying to settle score for the recent killing of one Ashraff in the same region. For those who know the area – kalladka, goodinabali (near Paane mangalore), melkar, kannur, pharangipete – all these areas on highway are very well-known for trouble making community.