News Report

Dalit Organisations Protest Over Alleged Rape and Murder of Student in Raichur, Seek ₹50 Lakh Compensation

Hubballi: The Karnataka Dalit Liberation Committee, Hubballi City Committee and Hubballi Taluk Committee staged a protest in Hubballi condemning the alleged rape and murder of 22-year-old Dalit student Ashwini Thimmareddy Chalavadi of Vankrani village in Sirwar taluk, Raichur district.

The protesters submitted a memorandum to the Karnataka government through the Hubballi Tahsildar, demanding immediate action in the case and justice for the victim's family.

According to the memorandum, Ashwini was allegedly raped and murdered while she had gone outside her village, after which her body was reportedly dumped in a well. The organisations urged the authorities to expedite the investigation, arrest all the accused and ensure that those responsible face stringent legal action.

The protesters alleged that incidents of atrocities against Dalits and women continue to occur in several parts of Karnataka. The memorandum cited other alleged incidents from Raichur and Davanagere districts and questioned the effectiveness of existing safeguards for Scheduled Castes.

The organisations demanded ₹50 lakh compensation for Ashwini's family in addition to any statutory compensation available under law. They also sought a government job for a member of the victim's family and adequate legal protection for Dalit families in Vankrani village.

The protesters called for increased police vigilance in villages where cases involving untouchability, discrimination and atrocities against Dalits have been reported. They urged the district administration, police and Social Welfare Department to conduct regular awareness programmes on the law and the eradication of untouchability instead of limiting such programmes to one-time exercises.

The memorandum also sought a comprehensive review of cases of atrocities against Dalits reported in Raichur district, including their present status, the prevailing security situation in affected villages and the measures taken by authorities.

The organisations further urged the government to strengthen the functioning of bodies responsible for the welfare and protection of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and to hold grievance meetings at the taluk level in affected areas.

Among the demands was strict punishment for those accused of sexual violence. The memorandum also called for a law permitting encounters with rape accused. Such a demand reflects the protesters' position; any change in criminal law would require action through the appropriate constitutional and legislative process.

The memorandum was submitted by Sirdar Kanagal, president of the Karnataka Dalit Liberation Committee; Suresh Shivanna, Hubballi Taluk president; and Gurunath Kati, general secretary.

The protesters appealed to the government to ensure justice for Ashwini Thimmareddy Chalavadi and strengthen measures to prevent atrocities against Dalits and women across the state.

For More News Updates Follow Us On www.tconews.in