Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Sep 30: In the tragic Manjanady incident where two children lost their lives and their mother Ashwini was left disabled after losing both her legs, the Human Rights Commission has issued a notice to the Mangaluru police commissioner, directing him to conduct a proper investigation and submit a report by November 17.
Ashwini, now physically disabled, had earlier submitted a complaint to the chief secretary of the state government. In her complaint, she stated, “On May 30, in Urumane Kodi of Manjanady village in Ullal taluk, Dakshina Kannada district, during unscientific road construction work, a hill was cut down without taking any safety measures. The landslide caused by the panchayat road construction collapsed onto my house. As a result, my two children and my mother-in-law lost their lives. I lost both my legs, and my father-in-law lost one leg, leaving him permanently disabled.”
She further mentioned that an FIR under Sections 105 and 106 of the BNS Act was sought to be filed on the very day of the incident against the supervising engineer of the road project, through Konaje Police. Requests for investigation were also sent to the chief secretary, principal secretary, panchayat and rural development department, State Human Rights Commission, deputy commissioner, and CEO of Dakshina Kannada zilla panchayat.
Following these requests, the chief secretary and principal secretaries instructed the district administration, through the deputy commissioner and CEO of the zilla panchayat, to investigate the matter and submit a report to the government. Accordingly, the executive engineer of the zilla panchayat prepared a report regarding the engineers involved in the road project. However, the report allegedly attempted to shield subordinate engineers by concealing their negligence.
The report falsely claimed that no JCBs or other machinery were used and that the 70-foot hill was manually cut by labourers. It also stated that the collapsed house was 80 years old, while in reality, a concrete house had been constructed just five years ago under a gram panchayat grant. Several such misleading claims were presented, providing false information to both the government and the Human Rights Commission.
In her complaint, Ashwini requested that an IAS officer or a senior engineer with state-level expertise be appointed to conduct a fair investigation, submit an accurate report to the government, and ensure action against those responsible. She also filed a second complaint to the Human Rights Commission regarding the false report. Responding once again, the Commission has directed the Mangaluru police commissioner to investigate thoroughly and submit a report.
Family members of Ashwini stressed that had the local and district administrations provided a truthful report, justice could have been served. Instead, they allege false reporting and a lack of compassion. The compensation given by the government has already been exhausted for medical treatment. Now, left without a house and under the care of her elderly parents, Ashwini has been forced to seek public donations through social media to survive.
Relatives and the public have urged that at the very least, basic humanity be shown and justice ensured for the helpless woman Ashwini.