Cong demands Rs 10 lakh compensation for deceased farmer's kin

State Congress chief Kantilal Bhuria visited Bharkacch Khurd village to meet the victim's family. He demanded a compensation of Rs 10 lakh and a government job for one of the family members.

Prajapati, former Bareli sarpanch, was killed while three farmers sustained bullet injuries during a protest which had turned violent after farmers blocked NH-12 (Jaipur-Jabalpur) highway over delay in procurement of wheat on May 7.

The government has announced an ex-gratia of Rs two lakh and a job on contractual basis to a kin of Prajapati's.

Bhuria said that according to the family members, police performed Prajapati's last rites on the same night without informing them, and handed over a bundle containing his remains to his uncle next day, after making him sign a blank paper.

Meanwhile, earlier today, when Bhuria reached the border of Raisen district on his way to Bharkacch, police stopped his convoy and said only two vehicles could go further.

But the Congress workers protested strongly and eventually around ten cars and a jeep were allowed to proceed.

On the call of Raisen District Congress and Kisan Sangarsh Samiti, almost all the establishments in the towns in the district remained closed.

The situation in Bareli town remained tense but was peaceful. The curfew was relaxed for two hours in the morning and an hour in the evening for women and children, police said.