Mangalore, May 27: Dalit members from Kuppepadavu, near Bajpe alleged that rampant illegal sand mining in Phalguni river bed is going on since long.
This matter has been brought to the notice of police commissioner at the monthly SC/ST meeting on Sunday and alleged that about eight excavators are being used to carry out this illegal activity of sand mining on the river bed.
They also alleged that Kuppepadavu gram panchayat president Chandra has Shetty and his men are threatening gram panchayat member Hariyappa Muthoor for raising his voice against illegal mining activities.
Janaspandana Jana Jagruti Hitharakshana Samiti advisor Srinivas Mijar said that officials concerned failed to take action against the sand mining mafia “We, villagers led by gram panchayat member Hariyappa, held protests against the illegal sand mining. It is unfortunate that though a case has been registered against Shetty, he has not been arrested,” Srinivas said.
Dalit Sangharsha Samiti leader SP Anand said that Bajpe police have not taken any action even though they have all information against the accused. “Police took Chandrahas Shetty into custody. But they did not arrest him,” he said adding that action should be taken against the accused.
Dalit Abhivridhi Samiti, Gurupur, convenor Dasappa Edapadavu said that Chandrahasa Shetty and his henchmen should be arrested immediately.
Meanwhile, Kamalakshi, headmistress of Dakshina Kannada Zilla panchayat Higher Primary School, Pamelabarike in Pajeer village, complained that Konaje police are reluctant to act on her complaint of atrocity against a teacher. “Being a dalit, I have been tortured mentally by my colleague Ramakrishna, who is from an upper caste community. He used to make derogatory remarks using my caste name in the school, even though I am the headmistress. I have filed a complaint at Konaje police station on February 22, but they are trying to submit a B report citing lack of witness as the reason,” she added.
School Development and Monitoring Committee president Jagannath Poonja is a witness in my complaint. Hence, the charge sheet should be filed against the teacher after taking the statements of the witness,” Kamalakshi pleaded.
Khabikar directed police officers to look into the cases and take necessary steps to ensure justice.
