Dalit bodies demand high level probe into Bajpe tragedy

Dalit bodies demand high level probe into Bajpe tragedy

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Jun 21, 2013: Dalit organizations have  demanded a thorough probe into the recent tragedy at Thottilaguri in Bajpe which  claimed four lives.

Speaking to reporters here on June 20, Thursday, Ashok Konchady,District Convenor of  Dalita Abhivriddhi Vedike  alleged that  illegal commercial complexes and shops had come up in the Dalit colony at Tottilaguri by encroaching upon Dalit lands in the colony resided by 18  Dalit families. He said the several appeals to the Gram Panchayat as well as the district administration had gone in vain and urged for  a high level probe into the tragedy and punishment to those found guilty.

 

Stating that the compensation announced by the administration to the next of kin of the deceased was highly inadequate,  he  urged that the amount be increased to Rs 5 lakhs and also that the government should  offer  jobs to the survivors.

While welcoming the government decision to construct houses for the affected families in Porkody area, he at the same time urged the authorities not to spare the encroachers in the Dalit colony. He also warned that Dalit organizations will resort to a protest if the demands were not met.