Thousands of Jain community members take out silent rally to protest against monk’s murder

CHIKKODI: Over five thousand members of the Jain community took out a silent rally on Monday to protest against the brutal murder of 108 Acharya Kamakumara Nandi Maharaj of Nandi Parvat ashram at Hirekodi in Chikkodi taluk.

The protesters, led by Lakshmisena Bhattaraka Pattacharya and Jinasena Bhattaraka Pattacharya of Kolhapur, and Dharmasena Bhattaraka Pattacharya of Vavoor, took out the rally from the RD High School grounds through the main streets of the town.

Jain monks addressing the protesters in Chikkodi on Monday.

Earlier, addressing the protesters, Jinasena Bhattaraka Pattacharya said the world recognises India as a land of culture and that Jains are a peaceful community. “Monks hesitate to even tread on grass, and even then, Nandi Maharaj was murdered. The government should initiate strict action against the culprits and they should be given harsh punishment”, he said.

Meanwhile, relatives of Nandi Maharaj and disciples performed the ‘Raksha Visarjan’ ritual at the Hirekodi ashram and the ashes put in a earthen pot and were buried on the premises. The ceremony was led by Nandi Maharaj’s nephew Bhimagonda Ugare.

Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara was expected to visit the Nandi Parvat ashram and pay his condolences to the devotees. Speaking to the media in Hubballi, he ruled out any bias in the investigation. “I congratulate the police department for cracking the case quickly. I also spoke to the Varur monk Gunadhara Nandi Maharaj who is on a fast and promised to fulfill his demands”, he said.

He also rejected a demand by Union minister Pralhad Joshi to hand over the case to the CBI stating that the state police are well equipped to investigate the murder. “The police are probing the case impartially without any pressure”, he added.

Home Minister G Parameshwara speaking to media persons in Hubballi on Monday.

The Home Minister also said the government will fulfull the demands of the Jain community and provide security to the monks. “Arrangements will also be made for them to rest in schools and colleges and I will discuss with the CM about establishing a Jain development corporation”, he said.

He also appealed to all Jain monks who have undertaken a fast to give it up. “Our government is with the Jain community and no religious colour should be given to it”, he added.