Ullal: Mogaveera community members placed the body of Raju Kotian, a fisherman who was found murdered on Tuesday, in front of the Ullal police station and demanded the arrest of culprits within 24 hours.
Raju Kotian (41) from Mogaveerapattna was found dead near fish mill at Ullal. His face was smashed with stone and had wounds in the body. Condemning the brutal murder of the fisherman, the Mogaveera community members took out a procession from Raju’s house and it culminated at Ullal police station with protesters shouting slogans against the police.

There have been several incidents of atrocities against the Mogaveera community. But the police have failed to nab the accused in any of the cases. When accusations are levelled against the Mogaveera community members, police storm into their house and arrest them, similarly, why are they not able to arrest Raju’s killers, alleged the protesters.

Bharath Kumar Ullal, president of Mogaveera Samaj said that Raju was the sole bread winner for his family. He used to look after his wife and brother who are physically disabled. The government should immediately provide Rs 50 lakh compensation to the family.

Over one thousand protesters took part in the procession and shouted slogans against the police and the government.

It is learnt that Ullal police have taken a suspected youth into custody for questioning on Tuesday evening. Four suspects were taken into custody on Wednesday morning for interrogation.

DCP K M Shantharaju, ACPs Kalyan Shetty, Udaya M Nayak, Madan M Gavnkar, CCB team, Konaje and Ullal police have visited the spot and are further investigating the case.

Meanwhile, Health minister U T Khader visited Deralakatte hospital where the Raju’s body was kept and paid the last respects.

Khader said that the government has asked senior police officials to form a special team to nab the culprits. He has requested the public not to disrupt the police investigation.