BJP leaders call on slain activist’s family in Hoskote

BENGALURU: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state president Nalin Kumar Kateel, former ministers Dr C N Ashwath Narayan, K S Eshwarappa and Byrathi Basavaraj on Tuesday called on the family of party activist Krishnappa at D Shettihalli in Hoskote.

Krishnappa was murdered after he objected to bursting of crackers outside his house while his son Babu sustained serious injuries and is undergoing treatment in hospital.

The BJP leaders offered their condolences to Krishnappa’s wife Gangamma who poured out her woes before them. Krishnappa was attacked with swords and machetes and died on the spot while the son is in hospital. With no earning members, the family is distraught, she told them.

BJP state president Nalin Kumar Kateel speaking to media persons at D Shettihalli village in Hoskote taluk on Tuesday.

“The Congress is unleasing a goonda administration and is standing in support of the Taliban. The police should act against those responsible for the murder of our activist. The BJP will not tolerate this”, Kateel said.

“We paid our condolences and have given the family a cheque for Rs 5 lakh. We stand with our party workers and we will take up a statewide agitation if such incidents recur”, said M T B Nagaraj.

Congress MLA Sharath Bacchegowda has dismissed the BJP’s claims.

Meanwhile, Hoskote Congress MLA Sharath Bacchegowda has demanded that the BJP should release proof of Congress workers’ involvement in the murder. He claimed that Krishnapp and Ganeshappa had joined the BJP only two months ago and added that the murder was related to a land dispute.

The MLA, who addressed a press conference at Bendiganahalli, also accused a former minister of “stoking trouble to disturb peace” in the constituency.