Prani Daya Sangha says accused not its members

Even as progressive organisations cried foul over the alleged killing of the driver of a truck transporting cattle in the city, the police have booked eight members reportedly belonging to animal rights organisation Prani Daya Sangha in the First Information Report (FIR).

Praveen, Suresh, Ramesh, Venkat, Vinay, Kumar, Ravi, Venkatesh, all from Bangalore city, were named in the FIR filed on basis of a statement given by Babujan, helper of the truck, who was also assaulted in the attack. Around 2.30 a.m. on Tuesday, two trucks were transporting cattle from Bellary to Bagepalli in Chikballapur district through the city when they were intercepted by these men, travelling in a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), on the Tumkur Road elevated expressway near Nelamangala Cross.

The men then beat up the drivers and helpers of the trucks, and allegedly threw one of the drivers, Krishnappa (40), from the flyover. Police are awaiting post-mortem report, which is expected in the next couple of days, to corroborate this.

Babujan had furnished the registration plate of the SUV to the police, which turned out a vehicle from a private travel company.

The names of the accused were obtained after the men took Babujan in their truck to register a complaint against him for illegal transportation of cattle to the Nelamangala Police station. “When the case of murder was filed in the Peenya police station, we traced the names of the people who had beaten up Babujan,” said a Peenya police official.

Denied

However, Dayananda Swamji, coordinator of the Akhila Karnataka Prani Daya Sangha, denied that the accused were members of the organisation. Though condemning the attack, he said, “The attack could have been carried out by the public who were outraged by the treatment meted out to cattle. Public opinion is against the slaughter of cows,” he said.

In a statement, A.J. Khan of the Karnataka Dalit and Minorities Sene condemned the attack and demanded compensation for Krishnappa's family. “Strict action should be taken against Prani Daya Sangha for the immoral attack. They have been involved in previous attacks, especially before Bakrid festival,” he said.

Demonstration

Karnataka Komu Sauharda Vedike staged a demonstration on Wednesday demanding action against all those responsible for the death of Mr. Krishnappa. Vedike State unit president K.L. Ashok said that such incidents were being reported from many parts of the State and that the police had failed to take action against them.

“About 10 days prior to Ramzan also, there were several cases of attacks on cattle transporters from Chikmagalur, Udupi and Mangalore. The victims were not only Muslims, but also Hindus. Krishnappa who was killed on Tuesday belonged to the Scheduled Tribe community,” said Mr. Ashok.