Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)
Mangaluru, Nov 27: Prakash (20) from Kujnathbail Devinagara, had died on the night of October 19 this year, after his scooter hit a roadside mud heap at Shantingar on Kulur-Kavoor road in the city. Dalit leader, S P Anand, urged for arrest of the contractor concerned and blacklisting him.
He submitted a petition in this connection at the monthly meeting of dalit grievances held at the auditiroium of the office of the city police commissioner here on Sunday November 26.
"Roadside was dug for undertaking water pipeline work. The mud so dug was heaped by the roadside. No warning signs were erected at the spot. Therefore, this accident happened. The city corporation staff and contractor concerned are guilty of irresponsibility and apathy in this case. Even after a month since this accident happened, the heap of mud and pit dug by the contractor have continued to remain at the spot," he pointed out.
Mother of the deceased, Jyoti, and brother, Satish, were present at the meeting. They sought justice relating to the death of their family member.
Deputy commissioner of police (DCP), Uma Prashanth, who presided over the meeting, received the petition and said that the city corporation would be asked to exhibit warning signs when undertaking drain and water pipeline works.
When dalit leaders said that police stations fail to conduct mass contact programmes properly, the DCP said relevant instructions would be issued to hold meetings promptly. Some other complaints related to driving without licence, illegal massage centres, fish trucks spilling smelly water on the road, erratic movement of private buses etc.
A dalit woman said that seven cases have been hoisted against her by someone who was angry that the had helped out a woman in 2014.
To a question, Uma Prashanth clarified that police always discharge duties impartially and that higher officials can be approached if the police stations are reluctant to handle the complaints. She said that 'B' report cannot be filed for any case at the station level and only higher officials can take such decisions.
Assistant commissioner of police, Uday Nayak, Manjunath Shetty and Rajendra D S were present.