Good response to bandh over death of three who set themselves on fire

SHRC team meets family members of the deceased

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There was a good response on Thursday to the bandh call given by Congress party over death of three persons, including one woman, who were among the five who set themselves on fire opposing the demolition drive of Rajkot Munciapal Corporation (RMC).

A team of officials of the State Human Rights Commission also visited the family members of the deceased and had a meeting with RMC authorities.

Main markets in the city remained closed as traders shut shops and offices in support of the bandh call, which remained largely peaceful except for minor sporadic incidents where Congress party workers tried to forcefully down shutters. Markets like Dharmendra Road, Danapith, Para Bazaar, Yagnik Road and Gundawadi markets were closed in support to the bandh.

The RMC also announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for each of the deceased's family members. The Congress too has announce the it would give Rs one lakh to the family members of the deceased.  “Our sympathy is with the family and RMC will give Rs 5 lakh to the affected family," RMC mayor Janak Kotak said.

On Wednesday, five members of a family including three women had set themselves on fire at the RMC head office in Rajkot city.

They were protesting against the demolition drive by the civic body which proposed to raze their houses claiming it to be illegal.

They had come with containers filled with kerosene to meet RMC commissioner with regard to demolition drive by the civic body in the common plot of Chotunagar society in Hanuman Madhi area of Rajkot where they lived. Three out of the five succumbed to the severe burn injuries they had sustained on Wednesday.

There is a dispute for illegal encroachment on the Chotunagar society common plot since last long time. Society officials have complained to RMC about it and town planning department have given notice to those people who are living on the common plot. The matter is also in the court.