HDK blames ‘forces’ for trouble during Raj funeral

HDK blames ‘forces’ for trouble during Raj funeral
Deccan Herald

Chief Minister H D Kumaaraswamy on Friday refuted allegations that the government and administrative machinery had failed to contain mob violence during the funeral procession of actor Rajkumar on Thursday.

He reiterated that the violence was “incited by some people” after reviewing the situation with top police officials.

Speaking to reporters, Mr Kumaaraswamy said the incident is not a black spot on the image of the government. “There are several things I know, which I do not want to discuss in public,” he said refusing to name the forces ‘responsible’ for inciting violence.

He said the situation would have gotten worse and more innocent people could have been affected, had the police not acted with restraint. Police had taken 563 persons into preventive custody after violence broke out following the demise of Rajkumar, he added.

Compensation

He said the cabinet would decide on the compensation to be paid to the affected people, including the family of those killed in Thursday’s vandalism and arson during the funeral procession of Rajkumar.

The Chief Minister confirmed that eight persons had been killed and said 235 persons were injured in the violence. The extent of loss to property was being assessed, he said.

Condolence visit

Later in the day, the Chief Minister paid a condolence visit to the Rajkumar family at Sadashivnagar.

He had a close-door meeting with the family members, including wife Parvathamma and three sons, actor S Narayan, director Rockline Venkatesh and others for an hour.

He clarified that it was purely a courtesy call and no decision was taken on the project to be undertaken in Raj’s name. “It will be done after consultations with the family, but it did not figure in my visit today,” he added.

Rajkumar’s eldest son Shivrajkumar felt it was worthless to indulge in a blame game over the violence.

“He was Appaji to all. The women and children who came to see him were not hurt. Even policemen were paying their last respects to him during the procession,” he said.

On being questioned if the family failed in discussing elaborate arrangements for the funeral with the government, the actor replied that it was not the family’s responsibility.

He sought time to speak on how the family is planning to pay respect to their late father.

“While fans have started offering milk and honey at his samadhi already, we, as family members are yet to follow them, please give us at least a week’s time to recoup,” he added.

Rs 2 cr loss to KSRTC

Meanwhile speaking to mediapersons in Mandya Transport Minister N Cheluvarayaswamy said the KSRTC had suffered a loss of Rs 2 crore in the violence.

He said what happened on Thursday would only bring disrepute. If the police had lost their cool and adopted tough measures, the situation would have led to a major tragedy.

When asked about rumours that the violence was instigated, he replied that the truth would be out after the investigation.