Paresh Mesta's family yet to get compensation

Karwar: Although a year has passed since 18 -year-old Paresh Mesta  died during communal tension in Honnavar town with the BJP alleging jihadi forces were responsible for his “murder,” his family claims it is still waiting for the full compensation promised to it by the government.

A small accident in Honnavar town had turned communal on December 6, 2017 and Paresh, who had gone out in the evening that day was found dead two days later on December 8.  BJP leaders headed by MP, Shobha Karandlaje claimed that he had been killed by jihadi forces. 

While his family is satisfied with the progress of the CBI investigation into his death, it says it is still waiting for the job that was promised to one of its members  by the then Deputy Commissioner. 

"We were given Rs 5 lakh as compensation. But we have heard that the government has provided more compensation to families who have lost their dear one in similar cases in Dakshina Kannada," said Paresh's father Kamalakar Mesta, adding, 

"When my son's dead body was in hospital, the Deputy Commissioner had promised to provide a job to one of our family members as  Paresh was our breadwinner. Now we mainly depends on my small income from fishing.  Had the district administration given my daughter, who has done her graduation, a job it would have been of a great help."  

When contacted, Deputy Commissioner, S S Nakul said the district administration had volunteered to provide a job to one of Paresh’s family members but they had turned down the offer.

"The family refused to accept the offer. As the case is now with the CBI, we will wait for its final report  before taking a  decision on providing the family any other humanitarian support," he added.