Udupi murder: K'taka Home Minister hints at business dispute

A day after a man was allegedly killed for transporting cow in Udupi, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara on Thursday said the police is suspecting some sort of business dispute behind the murder.

"They are suspecting some sort of cattle trade, some sort of business dispute.They (police) are investigating and once the preliminary investigation is done, we'll get more information," Parameshwara told ANI.

"At this point of time, I don't see any communal angle but definitely some reason must be there. We will find out," he added.

Parameshwara said the government is watchful about the rising incidents of beef and cattle in the state, adding all attempts are being made to maintain peace in the state.

"Repeatedly this beef issue and cattle issues are coming up in Karnataka, like anywhere else in the country. So, we are vigilant, we will definitely try and maintain peace and order," he said.

Eighteen people were arrested yesterday by the Udupi district police for allegedly killing a BJP worker, who was transporting three calves.

The victim identified as Praveen Poojary was transporting the calves along with his friend Akshay Devadiga. While Poojary died after the attack, Devadiga is presently being treated at a hospital.

Earlier this month, the Centre had asked the states and union territories not to tolerate any attacks on individuals in the name of cow vigilantism.

In its advisory issued to chief secretaries, the Home Ministry said they are expected to ensure that any person, who takes the law into his hands, is dealt with promptly and given strict punishment.