M’luru blast: Govt to bear medical expenses of victim auto driver, says Home Minister

Mangaluru: The terror suspect involved in the Mangaluru blast disguised himself using Hindu names and stolen identity cards, and this delayed in tracing his whereabouts, said Karnataka Home Minister Araga Jnanendra on Wednesday.

He was speaking to reporters here after reviewing the situation.

Araga Jnanendra said the accused, Mohammed Shariq, could be interrogated only after his health improves. “I have spoken to the doctors about paying more attention to improving the health of Shariq. A team of eight specialist doctors is providing treatment to him,” Jananendra said.

Victim’s medical expenses

Jnanendra also assured that the state government will bear the medical treatment cost of the victim Purushotham Poojary. “The government will fully bear the medical expenses of the injured autorickshaw driver,” he told reporters and added that decision on further financial help to the victim’s family will be taken after he returns to Bengaluru.

Earlier, the Home Minister visited the victim Purushotham Poojary at the hospital and inquired about his health. He personally handed over a cheque for Rs 50,000.

NIA probe- Decision soon

Speaking about handing the case over to National Investigation Agency, the home minister said that a decision will be taken within a couple of days.

On the question of setting up an NIA unit in Mangaluru, Jnanendra said that the Union government has been made aware of the demand. “The central government has responded positively to the request,” he added.