Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore

Mangalore, Jan 2: A protest was held in front of the deputy commissioner's office here on Monday January 2 to demand speedy probe into the case of the Dalit woman who went missing on November 24, 2011.

The protest was led by Ullal units of Dalita Hakkugala Horata Samiti (DHHS) and CPI (M).

Sunita was a resident of Tokrabattu in Harekala village, and had lost her husband about seven years ago. She earned her livelihood rolling bidis. She has three daughters, the eldest of whom suffers from Down's syndrome. At the protest rally held on Monday, the eldest daughter appealed for help in seeking out her mother.

Addressing the protestors, CPI (M) leaders alleged that the police has been lax in probing the matter, even though several appeals had been made at SC/ST meetings. The police have only given assurances, but nothing has been done so far, they said.

Krishnappa Konchadi of DHSS said that if the police is unable to trace her, the CBI or the COD should take up the investigations.

Among those present were DHHS Ullal president Narayan Talapadi, district CPI (M) member Vasanth Achary and secretary Rohidas.