The Rs 10 lakh ex gratia announced by the Karnataka government to the families of two persons killed in the police firing during anti-CAA protests in Mangaluru has been put on hold till investigations are completed, Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa said on Wednesday.

“We have not decided yet to give the ex gratia to the family members of those killed in the police firing because giving criminals exgratia is an unpardonable crime in itself.

“Earlier, the government had decided to give them compensation, but now we have put it on hold,” Yediyurappa told reporters after a marathon meeting with the senior officials of the Dakshina Kannada district.

He said he has directed the police to identify the hooligans who rioted on December 19, book cases against them and initiate stringent action.