The Karnataka Home department has finally released Rs 11.92 lakh, the withheld salary of slain police officer Mallikarjuna Bande, following media reports raising concern about the issue.
However, the government is claiming that the salary was withheld for technical reasons, without further explanation. Rama Bai, who is a caretaker of slain officer's children, on Wednesday confirmed that she has got the withheld salary.
The government had released salaries to the caretaker of slain officer's account till 2019. However, the salary was withheld from November, 2019 after which the children and family members of the slain officer were demanding its release.
![Six K'taka police officers awarded Medal for excellence in investigation [see list]](https://data1.ibtimes.co.in/en/full/764300/six-ktaka-police-officers-awarded-medal-excellence-investigation-see-list.jpg?h=450&l=50&t=40)
Bande, late PSI, was shot in the head while chasing a criminal on January 15, 2014. Bande's death drew considerable public attention and sparked intense socio-political debate in Karnataka and himself being viewed as a heroic and cult figure among locals.
The slain officer's wife Mallamma claimed that Munna had no gun and alleged that Mallikarjuna Bande would have died by a gunshot fired by police. She also died in 2016 and their two minor kids are being taken care of by their relatives.
The government had assured that it would provide basic salary till the date of his retirement but again delays have forced the children seek grievance redressal.
(With input from IANS)
