Mangaluru: While the BJP claims Paresh Mesta, who died mysteriously at Honnavar a few days ago, was a party 'karyakarta,' police officials and family members deny that he was an active member of any outfit. The police in fact say that Paresh had been to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's programme at Karwar on December 6!
Paresh (18), from the fishermen’s community, was a resident of Tulasi Nagar in Honnavar Taluk. After basic education, he was doing small jobs and was actively involved in the activities of the Shanaishara Temple at Honnavar. He went missing on December 6, after a clash between Hindus and Muslims at Honnavar town. His body was found in a lake on December 8 morning. The family members alleged it was a murder and saffron outfits have since then being claiming it to be a murder by 'Jehadis.'
After Paresh's body was found on December 8, an FIR was booked under Section 302 of IPC. Family members have named five Muslims as the accused.
BJP leaders including Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Shobha Karandlaje have been claiming that Paresh was a 'Karyakartha.' However officials have denied it.
"He used to participate in the activities related to the temple. Paresh did not belong to any party. He had friends on both sides," a police officer told Deccan Chronicle.
A saffron outfit leader agreed and said, "He was our sympathizer and not an active worker. "
Even Paresh's father Kamalakar had told journalists that his son did not belong to any organisation.
However saffron outfits still claim that he was with them. "It is true that he was not an office bearer or did not hold any post in the party. But he used to be involved in Hindu religion related activities. December 2 was a Saturday (when special pooja is offered to Lord Shani in the temple) and it was also Eid. Paresh had hoisted the saffron flag on the tree situated in the controversial land near the temple on that day which had annoyed Muslims. This was the reason for his murder," a BJP leader claimed.
Meanwhile doctors who conducted the autopsy have denied any evidence of nail or pin pricks on the body of Paresh. They also stated that the change in the colour of the body was due to putrefaction.
However MP Shobha Karandlaje who has been criticising the government on the issue, reiterated that Paresh was murdered by Jehadis. “ He was killed by PFI activists,” she said.
