Sanketh.Image Credit: Kannada Prabha
₹15 Lakh compensation announced after class 10 student murdered at Shivamogga
Shivamogga
Chief Minister (CM) Siddaramaiah has announced ₹15 lakh compensation to the parents of Sanketh, a Class 10 student who was brutally assaulted and killed in Shivamogga.
Condemning the incident, the CM said all accused have been arrested and that the government will pursue maximum punishment under the law.
The incident occurred in Urgadur near Shivamogga when Sanketh, a student of Government High School, Sulebailu, was returning home after attending special classes. According to police, he was allegedly attacked by a group of boys following an argument linked to a recent cricket match in the locality. When Sanketh intervened to protect a friend who was being assaulted, he too was attacked. He was rushed to McGann Hospital but was declared brought dead.
Superintendent of Police B Nikhil said seven boys have been taken into custody and that all of them are minors. Preliminary investigations suggest that both the deceased and the accused were residents of the same locality and knew each other. The Special Crime Branch will conduct a detailed probe, including whether the accused were under the influence of drugs.
The murder triggered tension in the area, with the case taking a communal colour. Police forces were deployed across the locality to maintain order. Shivamogga MLA S N Channabasappa visited the hospital and blamed alleged police inaction over earlier complaints of youth nuisance. Former Minister K S Eshwarappa joined protests demanding strict action and a police outpost in Sulebailu.
Deputy Commissioner Prabhulinga Kavalikatti said earlier that compensation would be decided after investigation, but the Chief Minister has now confirmed financial relief.
Appealing for peace, Siddaramaiah urged the public not to fall prey to provocations and warned of strict action against anyone attempting to disturb public order. He also called upon parents and school authorities to closely monitor children and prevent them from falling into harmful influences.