Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur
Kundapur, Jul 9: "Though it has been a year since PU college student Ratna Kottary's died, the exact cause for her death has still not been ascertained. Her family is yet to get the Rs 3 lac compensation that had been announced by the government. This shows the failure of the police as well as the people's representatives," was the general opinion voiced at the massive protest and rally led by pro-Communist organizations here on Thursday July 9.
Members of CITU, DYFI, SFI, school and college students, Ratna Kottary's parents and family members as well as the general public participated in the protest. 17-year-old Ratna Kottary from Alandoor was found dead under mysterious circumstances exactly a year ago at Savantagudde near Byndoor, three days after she went missing. Even after a year, her death continues to be a mystery, and her family has not received any compensation.
Condemning police inaction in the case, the protestors marched from Savantagudde, where Ratna's body was found, to Byndoor MLA's office, covering a distance of 12 km on foot. Thousands gathered in front of the MLA's office and shouted slogans against local MLA Gopal Poojary, the state government and the police demanding justice.
Addressing the protest, DYFI state president Muneer Katipalla said, "It has been one year since Ratna Kottary died, but the reason for her death has not been revealed yet. This kind of failure led to the death of Akshata Devadiga also (on June 17 this year). At least now the police should reveal the actual cause of her death. The government should pay the compensation it had promised to the family.
"If these demands are not met within a week, we will hold state-wide protestst," he warned.
As the MLA was not in his office, the protestors handed over a memorandum listing their demands to the MLA's personal assistant.
"School and college students in rural areas are forced to live in a state of fear these days, as there is no security or ample transport available in remote areas. The department concerned should take immediate action on this," urged the students.
SFI state secretary Gururaj Desai also spoke on the occasion. Leaders and members of several organizations were present.
The police led by Kundapur DySP Manjunath Shetty, Byndoor circle inspector M Sudarshan, SI Santosh Kaikini, Gangolli SI B Subbanna and other personnel made security arrangements.