Cricket lovers protest Subhash's death, demand compensation

Kanpur, June 11 (UNI) An agitated mob of cricket lovers here today took to street to protest the death of former under-15 Indian Cricket team captain Subhash Dixit, who committed suicide here on June 9.

Subhash had allegedly jumped to death from the sixth floor of a multi-storied shopping complex, Krishna Tower, at Civil Lines under Kotwali police station area.

Shouting anti-Uttar Pradesh government and anti-UP Cricket Association (UPCA) slogans, the mob staged a 'dharna' infront of the postmortem house, leading to traffic snarl.

Besides, the irated cricket lovers hurled stones at the residence of former UPCA selector and ex-Ranji Trophy player Shashikant Khandekar in Gualtoli area. The irated people also vandalised his car.

The agitators demanded Rs 10 lakh compensation to family members of the slain cricketer and a job to his sister.

The mob could only be brought under control after the UPCA announced an ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh to kins of the deceased.

Meanwhile, the Kanpur Cricket Association also announced a compensation of Rs 10,000.

Subhash used to reside at his maternal grandfather's house along with his mother in Parmat area. His father, a brain tumer patient, lives in Kalyanpur area.

In a statement in Lucknow, UP Sports Welfare Association president Mohsin Raja said there is an urgent need for chief minister Mayawati to draw attention towards ''dismal'' condition of the state players.

Mr Raja alleged ''the ruling government has always neglected the interests of the UP players and that is why, talented players are forced to migrate from the state.'' He demanded that the UP governmnet should provide the players five per cent job reservation in all the departments of the state, which would help them lead a better life.

He further demanded a high level probe into the death of Subhash.

According to police, Subhash had gone for a regular practice at the Green Park stadium yesterday, where he allegedly decided to end life by jumping from the nearby Krishna Tower.

The deceased's coach Mohsin Raza said nothwithstanding passing class XII with flying colours, Subhash was depressed over not getting a chance to play in the Ranji trophy.

''I regret the discrimination done by the selectors to him.

He was an outstanding cricketer, who played well in under-17 and under-18, but was not given an opportunity to play at higher level,'' Raza added in a pale voice.

Subhash was an excellent player. In his captaincy, under-15 team had won the series in England and Malaysia during 1999-2000.

He saddened over lack of employment opportunities by the UP government to good players like Subhash.

UNI