Three arrested in linked cases involving Dalit woman in Kollur
Byndoor: Kollur police have arrested three people in connection with two separate but related cases involving alleged caste-based abuse of a Dalit woman and a subsequent assault on a youth in Bellala village. The incidents reportedly occurred on Thursday, August 6, within the limits of Kollur police station. Police have registered separate cases based on complaints from both sides and are investigating the allegations. Youth arrested under SC/ST Act In the first case, police arrested Sanath Kundapur following a complaint filed by a Dalit woman. According to the complaint, Sanath allegedly approached the woman near her residence and behaved in a manner that outraged her modesty. She also alleged that he verbally abused her using casteist slurs. Based on the complaint, Kollur police registered a case under provisions of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and arrested Sanath in connection with the allegations. Police are examining the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident and recording statements as part of the investigation. Counter-case filed after alleged assault Meanwhile, a counter-case was registered following a complaint filed by Sanath Kundapur. In his complaint, Sanath alleged that after the earlier incident, members of the woman’s family tied him up, assaulted him and attempted to kill him. Acting on his complaint, police registered a separate case under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including the section relating to attempt to murder. Following the complaint, police arrested two people identified as Ram Kumar and Nandish Kumar in connection with the alleged assault. The arrests have resulted in three people being taken into custody in the two connected cases. Police investigate both complaints Police are now investigating the allegations made by both parties to establish the sequence of events and determine the circumstances that led to the two incidents. The cases involve serious allegations on both sides, including offences under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and an alleged attempt to murder. Investigators are expected to examine witness statements and other available evidence before taking further action. Police have stated that the investigation into both cases is currently underway. Officials are also working to identify and apprehend any other people allegedly involved in the incidents. Police said remaining accused persons, if their involvement is established during the investigation, will be apprehended in accordance with the law. Investigation underway The linked cases have drawn attention because of the serious allegations made by both sides. While the first complaint concerns alleged caste-based abuse and behaviour against a Dalit woman, the counter-complaint alleges that the accused in the first case was subsequently assaulted and subjected to an alleged attempt on his life. Police are treating the two complaints separately while examining whether and how the incidents are connected. Further details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses. Authorities have not yet disclosed additional information regarding the condition of those involved or the specific circumstances surrounding the alleged assault. The Kollur police are continuing their investigation and are expected to take further legal action based on the evidence gathered. Courtesy : News Karnataka Note: This news is originally published on https:/newskarnataka.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Cabinet fiasco pushes Congress into a tailspin
Despite Congress’s claims of rolling out the guarantee schemes in the state to empower women and its stand on the women’s reservation issue, Shivakumar’s cabinet is without a woman minister. Little over two months after the Congress central leaders patted themselves on their own backs for effecting a smooth leadership change in Karnataka, the party now faces intense internal turmoil after the cabinet expansion. Strategic miscalculations have left many of its lawmakers discontented, forcing the party to consider corrective measures. The party has landed itself in such a predicament that any quick-fix solution could be worse than the problem. The party’s top leadership deliberated on the ministry expansion for long, and held several rounds of consultations with Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and former CM Siddaramaiah. Perhaps, after sifting through several lists, it was decided to induct 20 legislators into the ministry. However, only 19 took oath. The plan to induct new faces appears to be in sync with party leader Rahul Gandhi’s broader roadmap of a transition within the party. The plan and its execution seemed wobbly from the start. The list was changed hours before the oath-taking ceremony. Despite Congress’s claims of rolling out the guarantee schemes in the state to empower women and its stand on the women’s reservation issue, Shivakumar’s cabinet is without a woman minister. Many districts are without representation. Even North Karnataka legislators from the Kuruba and minority communities have been left out. Two ministers from the Kuruba community are from South Karnataka. Of the four ministers from the minority community — three Muslims and one Christian — three are from Bengaluru City and one from coastal Karnataka. Siddaramaiah’s conspicuous absence at the ministers’ oath-taking ceremony at Lok Bhavan exposed the fault lines in the party. It also gave a subtle yet clear indication of how the Congress’s internal politics is likely to play out in the days ahead. The Congress workers’ protests at several places in the state, including outside the party head office in Bengaluru, mass resignations by local leaders in districts, and an outpouring of anger by several legislators, have all put the party in hot water. The CM’s initial remarks that “resignations (of those threatening to quit) will be accepted within a few minutes” showed that the party had again failed to read the situation. It was only when things appeared to be getting out of hand – the growing number of disgruntled legislators, and them planning a future course of action – that the CM, State Congress president BK Hariprasad and AICC General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala plunged into damage-control mode. During their meetings with the disgruntled MLAs, the leaders are said to have admitted to mistakes being committed and that they would shortly take corrective measures, while the aspirants made it clear that they would settle for nothing less than a cabinet berth. As of now, only one cabinet berth is vacant. It is unclear what corrective measures the party would take at this stage. There is a buzz that a few ministers may be asked to resign to make way for some of those excluded. Some leaders may be accommodated in party positions and some in boards and corporations to assuage their feelings. By all means, the party has found itself in a catch-22 situation. No minister is happy to resign, and such a move will amount to the party admitting that it has erred. The impression that local leaders can compel the high command to change its decision will further vitiate the situation. Also, B Nagendra’s induction has caused a degree of unease within the party. As Scheduled Tribes Welfare Minister in Siddaramaiah’s cabinet, he had resigned in June 2024 after multi-crore financial irregularities in the state-owned Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation Limited surfaced. A case had been registered against him, and he was also arrested. While the CM defended the decision, a three-term Congress MLA questioned what the yardstick was for inducting leaders into the cabinet, as those who went to jail and those who allegedly worked against the party have been made ministers. Nagendra’s induction has also handed a potent issue to the opposition during the upcoming legislative session from August 13. The Congress, downplaying the developments, has taken to oft-repeated remarks that a party with nearly 140 legislators is bound to face such turbulence, as only a limited number of leaders can be accommodated in the cabinet. However, if the ruling party continues to be pulled into a whirlwind of internal politics, it will do no good for its plans for the 2028 assembly polls or for the state administration. The challenge is to overcome party politics and deliver good governance. Unlike Siddaramaiah’s cabinet, the current team at the helm of affairs lacks the luxury of time; their performance would be tested in corporation polls in the Greater Bengaluru Authority and local bodies polls, provided they are held, and in the 2028 assembly polls. For now, the CM faces another immediate challenge, that of allocating portfolios to the new ministers, and preparing his new team for the legislative session starting next week. Ramu Patil Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Rahul Gandhi steps in to pacify disgruntled Karnataka Congress MLA M Krishnappa
Supporters of Krishnappa and his son and Govindraj Nagar MLA Priya Krishna have been protesting after the duo was denied a place in the Shivakumar cabinet. BENGALURU: The Congress state leadership, led by state unit chief BK Hariprasad and Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, appears to have, to some extent, pacified the disgruntled legislators who were denied cabinet berths. But it looks like the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, is being forced to deal with Vijayanagar MLA M Krishnappa, who has made it clear that he is unwilling to accept anything less than a ministerial post. Supporters of Krishnappa and his son and Govindraj Nagar MLA Priya Krishna have been protesting after the duo was denied a place in the Shivakumar cabinet. According to Congress sources, Priya Krishna was in New Delhi to meet Rahul and, in all probability, his father is likely to be inducted into the cabinet. “Politics is a game of possibilities. Nobody knows what will happen,” remarked KPCC president BK Hariprasad, who met Krishnappa in Bengaluru on Friday. Hariprasad confirmed that Krishnappa’s “pain” has been conveyed to Rahul and the latter will speak to the former soon. Shivakumar had earlier sent ministers HC Balakrishna and N Cheluvarayaswamy, both Vokkaligas, to pacify Krishnappa. AICC General Secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala, while reaching out to the upset MLAs, also met Krishnappa on Wednesday. Shivakumar, too, was present at the meeting. “Krishnappa, a five-time MLA, is an influential leader in Bengaluru and the Congress leadership does not want to ignore him ahead of the crucial polls to the Greater Bengaluru Authority,” said a political analyst. Krishnappa hails from the influential Vokkaliga community. Meanwhile, Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge echoed Hariprasad. “We need Krishnappa sir’s experience as well as Priya Krishna’s youthful energy. Not only them… but we need hundreds of them to join hands together… only then can we build the party,” Priyank told reporters. Meanwhile, Shivakumar is also likely to visit Delhi on Saturday to discuss political developments in the party after the cabinet expansion and to conduct a “minor surgery” by dropping ministers to placate unhappy legislators, sources said. Magadi MLA HC Balakrishna, also a Vokkaliga, may have to sacrifice his ministerial post to help the Congress douse the fire for the smooth sailing of the State Government, sources said. Meanwhile, the allotment of portfolios to the newly appointed ministers is likely to be completed before the commencement of the monsoon session of the legislature on August 13. “When the Chief Minister is our man, why should I ask for a portfolio?… What should I do with it? What is paramount for me is the work I do in my constituency and my district. Even with sleepy eyes, I will go and get the necessary work done (by the CM),” Balakrishna said, hinting that he is ready for any consequence. It remains to be seen whether the Congress high command will drop some ministers to make room for disgruntled legislators, ensuring adequate representation for different castes, communities and regions. The leadership will also have to address the lack of women’s representation, as the cabinet currently has no woman minister and one berth is still vacant. Ready to resign if top brass asks me to: Priyank Home Minister Priyank Kharge said he is ready to resign as a minister if the Congress high command asks him to and will work for the party. “There are close to 140 Congress MLAs in Karnataka and 33 ministerial posts. Satisfying everyone is a difficult job. Even though there are challenges in ensuring social justice and regional representation, party leadership has made an honest effort,” Priyank Kharge told reporters, adding that he will always abide by the decision of the high command. Meanwhile, speaking to reporters in Vijayapura, minister BZ Zameer Ahmed also said he is ready to quit the cabinet and work for the party. Later, in Chitradurga, he said the recent cabinet expansion was based on the findings of an internal survey, which suggested that giving cabinet berths to leaders with a strong influence in their respective communities would benefit the party. CM answers political questions with sarcasm CM DK Shivakumar on Friday responded with a pinch of sarcasm to a series of questions on the issues related to the recent cabinet expansion and political developments, brushing aside concerns over internal discontent and portfolio allocation delays. When asked about Vijayanagar MLA M Krishnappa seeking a ministerial berth, Shivakumar said, “There is nothing wrong, everyone asks.” On reports that he had called Chintamani MLA MC Sudhakar and other leaders to his office to pacify them, he denied any unrest, stating, “No one is upset. There are some senior leaders. They will have to be given responsibility. We will sort everything out.” Responding to a question on when the possibility of the cabinet having women ministers, he said, “They will be sworn in after informing you (media).” When asked about speculation of a “minor surgery” in the cabinet, Shivakumar retorted, “We thought the media should have a surgery”. On delays in portfolio allocation, he drew comparisons with previous governments, saying, “How long did Yediyurappa run the government alone? How long did the government run in Delhi?” To a question on whether bringing the party back to power in 2028 was the agenda, he countered, “Everyone has agreed, have you (the media) agreed?” Not resigning, want portfolio changed: Muniyappa Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister KH Muniyappa on Friday has dismissed reports claiming that he will resign from the cabinet and pave the way for his daughter, KGF MLA, Roopakala Shashidhar, to become a minister. In a statement, Muniyappa’s office said the senior Congress leader remains committed to the party and has served it loyally for over five decades. It highlighted his political career, including seven consecutive terms as MP from the Kolar Lok Sabha constituency and three terms as a Union Minister. The statement clarified that Muniyappa has only sought a change of portfolio
Bengaluru’s LGBTQIA+ athletes return from Gay Games
The athletes also highlighted the lack of inclusive sports policies in India, particularly for transgender and non-binary sportspersons. BENGALURU: Fresh from representing India at the Gay Games 2026 in Valencia, Spain, Bengaluru’s LGBTQIA+ athletes on Wednesday called for greater institutional recognition, financial assistance and inclusive sports policies, saying the country’s queer athletes continue to overcome significant barriers to compete internationally. The athletes were felicitated at Celebrating Queer Excellence, organised by the All India Professionals’ Congress (AIPC) LGBTQIA+ and Sports Domain in collaboration with Queer Nilayam and Dark Vibe Society. Among those felicitated was Gowthami Kandhasami (Goaty), who emerged as one of India’s top performers at the Gay Games. Competing in the women’s 25-29 years category, she won gold in high jump, 5-km run, 10,000-metre indoor run and 42-km marathon, besides securing silver in the 10-km run. She also bagged silver in the women’s overall 42-km marathon and was part of the mixed 4×400-metre relay team that won silver. Sumit Pawar, competing in the 35-39 years category, won the gold medal in the javelin throw and called for greater recognition and support for LGBTQIA+ athletes representing India. However, they said reaching the games itself was a struggle. Months of rigorous training had to be accompanied by fundraising, personal savings and support from friends, mentors and community members to cover travel and participation expenses. They urged governments and sport bodies to introduce scholarships and financial assistance for athletes representing India internationally, regardless of whether they win medals. The athletes also highlighted the lack of inclusive sports policies in India, particularly for transgender and non-binary sportspersons. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
17 booked over threat to kill Dalits for refusing to dig burial pit in Yadgir district
A Dalit family was intercepted, physically assaulted, caste-abused, and threatened with death, on August 1 in Shakhapur (SH) village The Shorapur police in Yadgir district, in Karnataka, have booked 17 individuals after a Dalit family was intercepted, physically assaulted, caste-abused, and threatened with death, on August 1 in Shakhapur (SH) village. The alleged incident followed a dispute involving the digging of a burial pit. According to the FIR, on July 25, a woman from the Valmiki community passed away. The complainant, Devappa Shivappa Talwar—a Dalit originally from Kadyapur (Kalaburagi district) now residing in Shakhapur (SH) — was summoned along with his relative to dig a burial pit. But, they refused to dig a pit due to illness. Following the refusal, the accused individuals confronted Devappa at a local borewell on August 1 when he had gone to draw water, according to the FIR. Later that same day, Devappa, his wife Lalita, and relatives Bhimavva, Siddamma, and Gangamma were allegedly intercepted by the accused on their way to work in the fields. The group was allegedly assaulted with sticks, kicked, insulted using abusive words, and threatened with death if they continued to refuse digging burial pits, according to the FIR. All injured victims received medical treatment at the taluk hospital. Later, they lodged a police complaint. Following Devappa’s complaint, the Shorapur police registered a case under Sections 189(2), 191(2), 191(3), 115(2), 118(1), 74, 352, and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyay Samhita (BNS)-2023, and Sections 3(1)(5), 3(1)(2), and 3(2)(v-a) of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Caste (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. According to the FIR, the accused individual are Siddappa Shivaraya Devadurga Nagappa Mariyappa Masali Malappa Mudukappa Pujari Huligeppagouda Yallayyagouda Police Patil Mariyappa Basanagouda Maligouda Gangappa Narayanappa Policegouda Bheemanagouda Ninganagouda Malipatil Mallesh Ningappa Maligoudar Nagappa Huligeppa Policegoudar Bheemanna Ramangouda Police Patil Hanumanth Bheemanna Bhairamaddi Mounesh Bhimappa Bhimanna Bhimanna Paner Mallappa Ramanagouda Police Patil Devamma Hanumanth Malipatil Bhimavva Mareppa Malipatil Parashuram Eshappa Sugur Nagappa belongs to the Ediga community and Malappa to the Kuruba community. All others belong to the Valmiki community. Superintendent of Police Pruthvik Shankar informed that an investigation is underway. Police personnel have been deployed in Shakhapur (SH) village to maintain law and order, and ensure protection for local Dalits. The Deputy Superintendent of Police (Shorapur) and officials from the Social Welfare Department visited the village. The Hindu Bureau Courtesy : The Hindu Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehindu.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Karnataka: Dalits prevented from entering temple, allowed entry in presence of police and administration
Allegations of attack on Dalits entering temple. Complaint filed against 42 people. Entry into temple led by officials. Davanagere (Karnataka): An allegation of Dalits being prevented from entering a temple has surfaced in Davanagere, Karnataka. The incident reportedly occurred in the Channagiri taluk of the district on Friday night. Three Dalits filed a complaint at the Basavapatna police station, alleging that a group of 20 people attacked them while they were entering the temple. As soon as the incident came to light, Tehsildar Nagaraj, AC Dr. Channappa, SP H.T. Shekhar, and police force visited Malalakere village. They inspected the area and escorted the Dalits inside the temple. Following this, they held a meeting with leaders of both communities in the village and instructed them to live in harmony. According to the police, the victims told them that the ‘Ajji Habba’ festival was being celebrated on Friday. While returning from the festival, they were attacked by 20 people on their way to the temple. They were not allowed inside. Meanwhile, a leader from the other community denied these allegations. He said, “They were trying to enter the temple after consuming alcohol, so they were stopped.” PSI Imtiaz of Basavapatna police station said, “Last night, there was a minor clash between two groups. Dalits alleged that they were not allowed to enter the temple, while the other group claimed they were drunk. A peace meeting was held in the presence of members of both groups and officials.” A complaint has been filed against a total of 42 people at the Basavapatna police station. Channagiri Assistant Commissioner (AC) Channappa said, “A case of SC-ST atrocities has been registered at the Basavapatna police station. We will take action against the culprits.” He further said that the youths who were attacked are being treated at the Chigateri District Hospital. Channappa said, “The police are investigating the matter. The truth will emerge only after the investigation. No one should take the law into their own hands. We have resolved this dispute by allowing the Dalits to enter the temple and perform puja.” Courtesy: Hindi News
Karnataka Cabinet expansion, KCV to arrive with final list
The names of PM Narendraswamy, Basavanthappa, Sharath Bachegowda, Kaneez Fathima Zameer Ahmed and Tanvir Sait too are doing the rounds. BENGALURU: AS cabinet expansion is most likely on Monday, AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal is expected to arrive here from Kerala on Sunday evening with the list of twenty legislators to be inducted as ministers. The swearing-in ceremony at Lok Bhavan is likely at 4 pm. Ministerial aspirants made last-ditch efforts by meeting former CM Siddaramaiah at his Cauvery residence on Saturday. MLAs Yashwant Rayagouda Patil, Appaji Nadagouda, Rizwan Arshad, Vijayananda Kashappanavar, AS Ponnanna, Yasir Ahmed Khan Pathan, Appaji C S Nadagouda, Yashwant Rayagouda Patil and Ashok S Pattan were among them. Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh also met Siddaramaiah. The list of probable include, Ajay Dharam Singh – Kalaburagi (Rajput), Yashwantrayagouda Patil – Indi (Lingayat), T Raghumurthy – Challakere (Valmiki), B Nagendra – Bellary Rural (Valmiki), Shivaraj Tangadagi – Kanakagiri (Bovi Dalit), Salim Ahmed – MLC (Muslim), NS Bosa Raju – MLC (Raju Kshatriya), Santosh Lad – Kalaghatagi (Maratha), SS Mallikarjun – Davanagere (Lingayat), Vijayanand Kashappanavar – Bagalkot (Lingayat), Puttaranga Shetty – Chamarajanagar (Uppara), AS Ponnanna – Virajpet (Kodava), N Cheluvarayaswamy – Nagamangala (Vokkaliga), Shivalingegowda – Arasikere (Vokkaliga), Basavaraj Shivannavar – Byadagi (Kuruba), Laxman Savadi(Lingayat), Laxmi Hebbalkar (Lingayat), Dr Arathi Krishna (Vokkaliga), Annapoorna E Tukaram (ST), and Anekal Shivanna (SC). The names of PM Narendraswamy, Basavanthappa, Sharath Bachegowda, Kaneez Fathima Zameer Ahmed and Tanvir Sait too are doing the rounds. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Four get 20 years’ RI for gang rape of Dalit woman
Mangaluru: The Second Additional District and Sessions (Special) Court here on Friday sentenced four to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for the gang rape of a Dalit woman. The second additional district and sessions (special) court Friday sentenced four men to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for the gang rape of a Dalit woman in 2018. According to the prosecution, the convicts, Prajwal, Arun Amin, Adithya Salian and Abdul Riyaz, sexually assaulted the woman on Nov18, 2018. At 12.30pm that day, the accused and three minors approached the victim, asked her name, hometown and caste details, intimidated and physically assaulted the friend who was with her. They then took the friend away and restrained him while dragging the victim into the bushes. The accused threatened her and gang-raped her in turns. They also threatened to kill the victim and her friend if they revealed the assault or filed a complaint. Mangaluru Women’s Police registered a case under IPC sections 341, 323, 354, 376(D) and 506, and sections 3(2), (v-a) and 3(1)(w)(i) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The then police inspector, Kalavathi K, and assistant commissioner of police (ACP) Manjunath Shetty investigated the case. Later, the then ACP Srinivasa Gowda R filed the chargesheet. Special public prosecutor Jyothi Pramod Nayak conducted the prosecution. The court examined 40 of the 65 witnesses listed by the prosecution. Judge Jagadeesh VN held the accused guilty Thursday. Prajwal, Arun Amin, Adithya Salian and Abdul Riyaz were awarded 20 years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 10,000 each under IPC section 376(D) read with 34 and sections 3(2), (v-a) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The court also awarded one year imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5,000 each under IPC Section 354 read with 34 and sections 3(1)(w)(i), 3(2), (v-a) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. In addition, the court imposed one year’s imprisonment and a fine of Rs 2,000 each under IPC Section 506 read with 34 and sections 3(2), (v-a) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The accused were further sentenced to six months’ imprisonment and fined Rs 1,000 each under IPC Section 323 read with 34 and sections 3(2), (v-a) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, besides a fine of Rs 500 each under IPC Section 341 read with 34. All sentences will run concurrently. Of the total penalty amount, Rs 60,000 will be paid to the victim. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Hate speech case: Suvarna appears before probe officer
Udupi: Udupi MLA Yashpal Anand Suvarna, booked for alleged derogatory remarks and hate speech against leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi, appeared before the investigating officer Friday. Responding to a police notice, the MLA answered questions posed by the investigating officer. The probe will proceed based on his responses, Udupi SP Hariram Shankar said. Udupi Town police had registered an FIR against Suvarna under sections 57, 192, 196(2), 352, 353(2) and 351(2) of BNS for allegedly making inflammatory statements against the Congress leader during a protest Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Udupi District Congress staged a protest in the town Friday against Suvarna’s alleged hate speech and threats against Rahul Gandhi, as well as his remarks on the NEET students’ movement. Former minister Vinay Kumar Sorake demanded the MLA’s immediate arrest. Congress leader Niketh Raj Maurya said the younger generation was exposing the Centre’s actions through social media and would respond democratically in the 2029 elections. In a press release, Dakshina Kannada BJP spokesperson Arun G Shet accused the Karnataka govt of using the administrative machinery to further “politics of hatred” instead of functioning in an accountable and democratic manner. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit activists question DK district administration over not holding SC/ST grievance meet
Questioning the Dakshina Kannada district administration for not holding an SC/ST grievance redressal meeting for nearly two years, Dalit activists said the district administration should hold the meeting once every three months. Speaking at a SC/ST grievance redressal meeting on Sunday, held jointly by the Mangaluru City police and Dakshina Kannada district police at the office of the Mangaluru Police Commissioner, activist Jagadish Pandeshwar said many of the grievances raised during meetings held by the police related to revenue matters. “We cannot have unnecessary discussions about revenue matters in this meeting,” he said. He said that while the Udupi district administration held meetings once every three months, the Dakshina Kannada district administration had not held grievance redressal meetings for nearly two years. Mr. Pandeshwar said he had met Revenue Minister G. Parameshwara and apprised him of the issue. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) H.N. Mithun said he would convey the demand for a grievance redressal meeting by the district administration to Additional Deputy Commissioner K. Raju. When an activist spoke about a dispute related to land in Kunjathbail village, Mr. Mithun asked Dalit organisations to render legal assistance to Dalits in protecting their legal rights. The DCP appreciated the efforts of para legal volunteers from the District Legal Services Authority in participating in SC/ST grievance meetings at the Mulki police station and rendering legal assistance to affected parties. Dalit activist S.P. Anand said people were still facing issues in getting caste certificates as Adi Dravida. “Though the government has notified sub-castes under Adi Dravida, officials are still not issuing caste certificates,” Mr. Anand said. On the demand for deployment of home guards across the district, Additional Superintendent of Police Anil Kumar S. Bhoomraddi said that against the sanctioned strength of 800 home guards, only 640 were working, while the remaining 160 posts were vacant. He said only people keen on serving society for an honorarium could come forward to work as home guards. In the last 10 months, only 24 people had come forward to serve as home guards. A home guard is paid ₹800 per day by the police, while other departments pay ₹500 per day, Mr. Bhoomraddi said. A woman said the city police had so far not succeeded in tracing her husband, who had been missing with another woman for the past 26 days. The Bajpe police have registered the missing case of her husband, while Mangaluru Women’s Police have registered a case of the missing woman. A police inspector from Mangaluru South police station said a team had gone to a lodge in Kukke Subrahmanya a few days ago, but the two escaped from the lodge, he said. The Hindu Bureau Courtesy : The Hindu Note: This news is originally published on https:/thehindu.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights