PUCL state president PB D'sa speaking in a press meet here on Thursday said that on October 16, 2008, 'Vijaya Karnataka' Kannada daily newspaper had published a controversial article written by Dr SL Bhyrappa. Since it was provoking communalism PUCL had lodged a complaint against writer and publishers at Pandeshwar police station. The accused included author Bhyrappa, and journalists Vishweshwar Bhat, U K Kumarnath and K R Ramesh.
He said that the article was written and published intentionally to create hatred between Hindu and other minority communities. Newspaper had asked for discussion on the same topic and it led to continuous attack on Christians and Muslims by Sangh Parwar group.
However, Mr D'Sa said, due to the influence of BJP government that was ruling the state, police failed to provide justice and submitted a 'B' report to the court. Police report stated that complaint was a mistake of fact as the article comes under the purview of right to speech and expression.
PUCL pursued complaint in the court and filed objections on July 21, 2009. Even the judiciary appeared to be not very keen in expediting the case. It was only a complaint made to Chief Justice of Karnataka and the issue was taken up by court and summons are issued to appear in the court on 29 July 2013, he said.
Writ petition against fake encounter deaths
Speaking about encounter deaths in state, Mr D'sa said that at least 17 people were died in fake encounters in state and seven encounters were took place in Dakshina Kannada by former Superintendent of Police, Dakshina Kannada, B Dayananda. Now PUCL has filed writ petition against encounter deaths in Dakshina Kannada”, he said.
However, B Dayananda was awarded for taking two lives by using AK-47, which is a prohibited firearm and victims received compensation of Rs 5 lakh. There was no punishment for violating law by police officers. According to the law, police had to file a case on B Dayananda and investigate but they have not followed it, Mr D'sa pointed.
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