A family of six from Tumkur district threatened to immolate themselves in their van just outside the Vikasa Soudha on Friday morning, demanding that the chief minister ensure them justice in a property dispute.
The family — Mahesh K, 38, his wife Dakshayini, 32, children Vidya, 17, Chandan, 11, and parents Kidiyappa, 72, and Giriyamma, 65 — locked themselves up in the Maruti Omni and refused to come out unless Chief Minister Siddaramaiah ensured them justice.
They had a can of kerosene and threatened to set themselves on fire. A poster was pasted on the car’s rear windscreen, listing the family’s demands. The family alleged harassment by a retired ACP, H Subbanna, who had helped in settling a dispute over ancestral property. They said they feared for their lives in their native place, police said.
This is the second suicide attempt in full public glare by the family. On June 19, 2013, the family (minus Mahesh’s parents) had consumed poison at the State police headquarters on Nrupathunga Road but were taken to hospital in time.
At a press conference hours earlier that day, they levelled charges at Subbanna. In the past, they also staged protests at the Freedom Park and outside the chief minister’s home office. Subbanna had, however, denied the allegations and claimed that he was “actually victimised” by the family.
During their latest suicide bid, a large number of fire brigade personnel and policemen as well as mediapersons reasoned with the family to come of the van.
Finally, the family relented after 45 minutes, after which they were taken to the Vidhana Soudha police station around 9.30 am. A senior police officer said the family members were pacified by some government officials who promised to look into their matter.
Probe ordered
Home Minister K J George later told the Legislative Assembly that the Inspector General of Police (Central Range) would inquire into the family’s grouses. S Suresh Kumar of the BJP raised the issue during zero hour and suggested that the government help the family and take action against those harassing them.
“I have asked the Commissioner of Police to give them protection. We will take action once the IGP submits report,” George said.
