Jailed in Kuwait case: Shankar Poojary demands compensation from Mubarak

Team Udayavani, Feb 17, 2019, 6:19 AM IST

Udupi: Compensation has been demanded from Mubarak by Shankar Poojary from Basrur, who was jailed in Kuwait for carrying banned drug in May 2018. Mubarak is the individual who had asked him to carry the banned tablets for his mother-in-law Tasleema.

Mr Poojary spoke at a press meet at Brahmagiri here on Saturday February 17, and said that he lost his job after being incarcerated for a period of 7 months for carrying the banned drug. “Mubarak is the reason I lost my job and suffered in jail and he has to pay me seven months’ salary as compensation,” demanded Mt Poojary.

He thanked Udupi Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) president Ansar Ahmed for showing special interest in releasing him from Kuwait jail. Kuwait court released Mr Poojary on January 15 as a result of the collective effort of the district administration, Pushparaj, businessman of Mumbai, Tulu Koota Association, and Billava Association.

“Tasleema did not try to meet me even once in Kuwait. If she had come to me with proper proof, they would have released me early. I was behind the bars for seven months and without salary. I have two children and they are pursuing their education. After I returned, Mubarak did not meet me at least once for the sake of courtesy,” alleged Shanker.

“My wife Jyothi suffered a lot while trying to meet expenses without any source of income. Police need to take some action against Mubarak,” he said.

“I served for five years in my company. If I was given VRS, I would have got my benefits. The company I worked for fired me because of this episode. I do not have any other option for livelihood. Mubarak must pay me seven months of my salary. I have borrowed loans from bank. I am in great difficulty,” informed Poojary.

“Around Rs 6 lakh was spent to obtain my release with the help of various organisations. Now I am looking forward to start my life again and look after my family,” he said.

Speaking on the occasion Shanker’s wife Jyothi said, “It was very disappointing as no government or any union minister, external affairs minister helped to obtain release for my husband. They turned a deaf ear towards our grief. I approached KRV and they helped a lot. The seven months was the most difficult time of my life.”

President of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, Ansar Ahmed was present on the occasion.