Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jul 1: Ashwini, who lost both her legs and her two young children in the devastating Manjanady landslide last year, has received financial assistance of Rs 23 lac for advanced prosthetic legs through the efforts of former MP Nalin Kumar Kateel and the BJP.
Handing over the financial assistance to Ashwini at her mother's residence in Harekal, Kateel said he responded to the family's plight following the guidance of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He said the Lodha Charitable Trust of Maharashtra had sanctioned Rs 23 lac for the prosthetic limbs, expressing hope that Ashwini would be able to walk again.
Ashwini had suffered grievous injuries in the house collapse at Koppala in Manjanady during last year's heavy rains. The tragedy claimed the lives of her two children and her mother-in-law, while she lost both her legs and her father-in-law lost one leg. The family has been facing severe hardship ever since.
Kateel said the family had requested assistance for prosthetic limbs, which cost Rs 23 lac. Following a request from BJP Dakshina Kannada president Satish Kumpala and Mangaluru Mandal president Jagadish Alva Kuvettubail, RSS leaders Prakash and Santosh directed that support be extended to the family.
Kateel said he immediately approached Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Maharashtra's minister for Skill Development, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, seeking assistance through the Lodha Charitable Trust. The trust responded promptly and sanctioned the entire amount required for the prosthetic limbs. He added that Androlite company has come forward to fit the artificial legs.
He said Mangal Prabhat Lodha personally spoke to Ashwini over the phone. Kateel further said the family has now placed two more requests before him. Having lost their house in the landslide, they have sought land and a new house. He expressed confidence that if the district administration and the local MLA, who is also a minister, provide land, the BJP will take responsibility for constructing a house for the family.
Speaking on the occasion, BJP district president Satish Kumpala said that after the Manjanady tragedy, the government and the local MLA had assured the family of all possible assistance, including a house. BJP workers had continuously pursued government benefits for the family. However, Ashwini had been enduring immense suffering after losing both her legs.
He said local residents Uday, Chandra, and Suma brought the family's plight to the attention of RSS leader Santosh, following which former state BJP president and former MP Nalin Kumar Kateel extended significant support. Kumpala said the people of Ullal, the district BJP, and he personally would always remember Kateel's timely intervention.
He noted that arranging such a large amount was not easy, but the assistance was mobilised within just two days. Referring to the family's demand for a new house, he said the government had so far only made promises and was yet to identify land. He added that Kateel has assured that a house would be built immediately if the government provides land.
Among those present were Mangaluru BJP Mandal president Jagadish Alva Kuvettubail, general secretaries Mohan Raj K R and Dayananda Tokkottu, Mandal treasurer Sumalatha Konaje, Chandrashekar Shetty Marikala, Seva Bharati volunteer and Krishi Pattina Cooperative Society director Uday Shankar Shetty Balettodu, Muralidhar Konaje, Yuva Morcha president Sudhakar Gatti, Shakti Kendra president Munnoor Ramesh Bedrolike, and others.
Family preparing for legal battle
The Manjanady landslide occurred on May 30, 2025, at Montepadavu, Pambada Hithilu Kodikoppala in Manjanady village, claiming the lives of Aryan (3), Aarush (2), and their grandmother Prema (60). Their mother Ashwini sustained severe injuries and lost both her legs.
Immediately after the incident, the local administration and district authorities attributed the landslide to heavy rainfall. However, the family maintained from the outset that the hill, which had remained stable for nearly 50 years, could not have collapsed without another cause.
They alleged that excavation carried out for road construction above their house had triggered the landslide. Pursuing the matter relentlessly, the family obtained and examined more than 100 documents and reports under the Right to Information (RTI) Act and questioned the Panchayat PDO's report, alleging it contained false information.
Following the family's sustained efforts, the district administration ordered a technical investigation by the National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK). According to the family, the NITK report has concluded that the hill collapsed due to the excavation work.
In the light of the report, the family has demanded legal action against those responsible and justice for the victims. They have also stated that if justice is not delivered based on the findings of the report, they will initiate legal proceedings.