Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Mar 24: The victim of the Malpe assault case, along with her community members, submitted an appeal to Deputy Commissioner Dr K Vidya Kumari, requesting the abolition of the atrocity case, at the DC office in Manipal on Monday, March 24.
Lackybai, the victim of the Malpe assault case, spoke to the media, saying, “On the day of the incident, we settled the matter peacefully. The next day, they called me, but I didn’t go as my people were occupied. Later, they came with an auto and took me. Being illiterate, they asked me to provide my thumb impression, which I did. After that, I don’t know what happened.”
Jayasimha, the working president of the Nation Gormalav Forum, stated, “The incident happened accidentally, and even the victim acknowledges that the matter was resolved amicably. They took her thumb impression for a compromise, and she was unaware of the FIR. Our community migrated to earn a living, not just here but also in Goa, Kerala, Mangaluru, and other places. In Malpe, around 3,000 people from Vijayapur, Gadag, and other areas have been working for 15 years. They are living a good life and receiving better education here compared to their hometowns. When jobs were provided at the port, no one asked about caste. This issue should not become a means for others to gain, and other associations should not encourage this. The district administration should create an environment that fosters brotherhood, and the Deputy Commissioner should appeal to the SP to either submit a B report or close the case.”
Manjunath Chavan said, “We have been working in Malpe for 20 years. In the recent incident, both sides made mistakes. Theft happens frequently, and if they continue to file FIRs, the book won’t be enough. They didn’t file a case considering her family; they only hit her and resolved the issue amicably, as per Malpe port rules. We have lived like brothers, so please do not bring any caste issues into this. Pramod Madwaraj is a godly person. He has supported us a lot through donations. Whenever our community organises an event, Pramod Madwaraj has always been there to support us. Please do not politicise this. The port operates like a panchayat.”
MLA Yashpal Suvarna and Banjara community members working in Malpe port were present at the occasion.