Karnataka CM withdraws ex-gratia given to Mangaluru violence victims

Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa announced on Wednesday that ex-gratia would not be given to families of the two men killed in Mangaluru police firing on December 19 until investigations prove they are not guilty  

Mangaluru: Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa on Wednesday (December 25) said that the state government would not give ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of the two men killed in the police firing during the violent protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act if they are proved guilty in the case.

He said the government will hold a discussion on the decision of giving compensation to the kin of the deceased. 

Addressing reporters Yediyurappa said, “If the two killed in police firing are proved guilty in the incident then the government will not provide any compensation to their families.” 

“As per police, it is suspected that the two killed were part of the protesters who turned violent. We are investigating the claims, until their roles are not clarified, we will not release any funds (ex-gratia),” he added.

The Karnataka government on Sunday (December 22) had announced ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of Nausheen Kudroli and Jaleel Kandak who died in Mangaluru police firing during the violent protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act in Mangaluru on December 19.

BJP MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal has urged the CM to take back the compensation of Rs 10 lakh issued as ex-gratia to the next of kin.

In a suggestion, he asked the CM to give it to cow protectors and other patriots.

Meanwhile, Kannada and culture minister CT Ravi too backed the CM’s decision and said that the compensation to the kin of the deceased without proper investigation will encourage more violence, adding, it will demoralise the police force.