“Compensation Only To Praveen’s Family, Not To Masud’s Or Fazil’s”: Karnataka CM Bommai Slammed For Open Differentiation

Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai has been slammed for open differentiation and violating Article 14 of the Constitution for visiting the family of the slain BJP member Praveen Nettaru and handing over a cheque of Rs 25 lakh from the state government relief fund, while not providing similar assurances to the families of Masud and Fazil who were brutally hacked to death.

Visiting Praveen Nettaru’s family, Bommai handed over a cheque and assured them that all the people who were involved in the murder would be given severe punishment.

“We are not treating this as a case of murder. It is considered a planned act of terrorism to tear apart the country. An investigation has begun,” he said to the media after the visit.

Days before Nettaru’s murder, Masud, an 18-year-old Muslim youth was brutally assaulted by eight members of the Hindu extremist groups Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal in Karnataka’s Bellare. He later succumbed to his injuries in a Mangaluru hospital on July 21.

Unlike in Nettaru’s case, where the chief minister and many other ministers visited his family and provided monetary help, Masud’s family received no such assurances from the CM.

On Thursday, another Muslim youth, 23-year-old Mohammed Fazil was murdered by a group of masked assailants outside a clothing store on the outskirts of Mangaluru.

Kalika Mutt seer Rishikumar Swami, who in the past has called for an economic boycott of Muslims and for making incendiary speeches against Muslims, commended Fazil’s murder as an act of revenge for Praveen’s death.

Also Read: BJP Worker’s Murder Being Used To Stir Anti-Muslim Hatred In Karnataka

The CM did not see it necessary to go see Fazil’s grieving family, as he had done with Praveen.

Leaders from the opposition parties have criticised Bommai for discrimination for not providing compensation to Masud’s family. Leader of Opposition, Siddaramaiah, too questioned why CM Bommai did not visit the family of Masud.

By giving financial compensation only to one family and not to the other, Bommai has violated Article 14 of the Constitution, said BT Venkatesh, a human rights advocate. Article 14 refers to equality before the law.

“There are clear guidelines on how the funds under the CM Relief Fund should be disbursed. So when the CM gives to one family and not to the other, I want to know what was the rationale he applied. He is, otherwise, defeating the purpose of why people put him in his position,” TNM quoted Venkatesh as saying.

Kannada actor Chetan Kumar Ahimsa also questioned Bommai’s conduct.

“CM Bommai visits home of deceased Praveen in Dakshin Kannada & compensates family Rs 25 lakhs Good Why is Masud’s murder on July 19th not acknowledged & his family not compensated? CM Bommai must study Article 14’s equality— both Praveen & Masud must be viewed as equally of KA,” Chetan tweeted.