Shivamogga (Karnataka), Feb 24 (NationPress) The government of Karnataka declared a compensation of Rs 15 lakh for the family of Sanketh, a Class 10 student tragically murdered following an attack in Shivamogga. Police reported that they have detained seven individuals related to this case.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah instructed officials via phone to ensure financial support for the grieving family. In accordance with his directives, Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa made the announcement through Shivamogga Deputy Commissioner Prabhulinga Kavalikatti.

The Deputy Commissioner informed the media that the government has allocated a total of Rs 15 lakh as compensation for the loss of the young boy, with funds sourced from both the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund and the Education Department.

Superintendent of Police B. Nikhil confirmed that seven minors have been taken into custody in connection with the incident.

Sanket, aged 15, a resident of Sulebailu, lost his life after being attacked while trying to defend his friend Girish from a group assault on the outskirts of Shivamogga on Monday night.

According to law enforcement, the violence arose from a dispute during a cricket match involving Girish and the suspects. This conflict had allegedly been brewing for two days before it escalated.

The two boys were on their way home after attending a special class when Girish was reportedly confronted and assaulted by a group of local boys.

Sanket stepped in to protect his friend but was brutally attacked by the assailants, suffering serious injuries to his chest, face, and stomach before collapsing.

Girish managed to alert his family and nearby residents, who rushed to the scene to find Sanket in critical condition. He was transported to a private hospital but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries en route, as per police reports.

The atmosphere in Shivamogga was tense on Tuesday following the incident, with the student's family threatening suicide if justice was not served.

Sanket's elder sister, Supriya, expressed the family's despair, stating, "After the special class, six boys attacked him. The issue of ganja (drugs) is rampant in this area. They behave inappropriately. If all six perpetrators are not punished, my entire family will end our lives," she warned.

In response, police have tightened security across the district to avert any further disturbances. Additional police forces have been deployed in the area where the attack occurred, and officials announced plans to establish a new police outpost in the Urugadur locality to enhance law enforcement and prevent future incidents.

Authorities are also probing whether the assailants were under the influence of drugs during the attack. The detained minors will undergo medical examinations as part of the investigation. Officials have stated that stringent action will be implemented if any drug connections are identified.

The incident has drawn condemnation from Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka, who remarked that the murder "by fanatic miscreants allegedly influenced by drugs is a reflection of the Congress government’s appeasement of 'brothers', emboldening such individuals in the state."

He continued, "Shivamogga, the home district of Rashtrakavi Kuvempu, who envisioned a 'garden of peace for all communities', has now turned into a graveyard of fanaticism, directly resulting from the appeasement politics of the Congress-led government in Karnataka," he alleged.