JANANEETHI INSTITUTE, Kerala strongly condemns the brutal assassination
of Mr. A.D. Babu, the veteran leader and campaigner of anti liquor movement in Karnataka,
on 21^st July 2008 at Bidadi on Bangalore - Mysore road.

Mr.A.D.Babu, one of the State Conveners of NAPM, a committed social activist and a strong campaigner of anti-liquor movement in Karnataka was axed to death by hired goons at 12.30 pm on 21^st July 2008 at Bidadi on the Bangalore-Mysore road. Mr.Babu along with his colleagues and fellow campaigners were on the way to attend a program, organized by the Karnataka NAPM at Ramanagaram obviously to oppose the illicit liquor mafia. His vehicle was stopped on the road by a group of hooligans who are suspected to have followed him from Bangalore targeting his life. The group attacked him with dagger, knives and other deadly weapons. He died on the spot. Circumstantial evidences indicate that he was brutally killed by the strong liquor mafia in Karnataka State. Reportedly, he was urged on cell phone by unknown sources to desist from opposing liquor shops in Bangalore.

The killing of Mr.Babu, a true activist and devoted defender of human rights, is a nasty attack on democracy, human rights and rule of law. Unless stringent action followed and the assailants and their ‘sponsors’ are booked, the Constitutional guarantees on freedom from fear and violence remain futile. Jananeethi Institute, therefore, urges the State Government of Karnataka, the National and State Human Rights Commissions, the Central Intelligence Bureau and State Department of Criminal Investigations to expedite impeccable and impartial investigation into the gruesome murder of Mr.Babu without fail.

 For Jananeethi Institute:

George Pulikuthiyil

Executive Director