Bhatkal: Members of Namadhari Sangha staged a protest dharna on main road, infront of Tahsildar’s Office in Bhatkal, on Wednesday, to withdraw the dacoity charges registered against the youths and demanding compensation to late Ramachandra Naik’s family, who had committed suicide over the order to vacate Muncipal shops.

Former Minister Shivanand Naik charged that, the poor shopkeeper had committed suicide, for ordering to vacate muncipal shops by district administration, and yet the government has not given compensation to his family.

Moreover, the police have registered cases against innocent people who took part in the protest under the support of ruling party, he alleged. Urging the government to provide compensation to Ramachandra’s family at once, and take measures against municipal authorities, held responsible for his suicide, he also called for withdrawal of all charges against the BJP leaders who were arrested from more than 15 days.

Former Bhatkal MLA and BJP Leader J D Naik, Namadhari Sangha Honorary President D B Naik, Shridhar Naik, Rickshaw Drivers and Owners Association President Venakatesh Naik, A N Pai, Shivani Shantaram, Namadhari sangha President M R Naik, Block Congress president Vithal Naik, Parmeshwar Devadiga, Satish Kumar and others also spoke on the occassion. Later they have submitted a memorandum to Assistant Commissioner M N Manjunath in this regard.

Additional Superintendent of Police Gopal Krishna Byakod, Bhatkal DySP Shiv Prakash, Tahsildar V N Badkar amongst other officers were present.