Landslide Tragedy in Mangaluru: Victim’s Kin Files Complaint Against Officials for Negligence

Landslide Tragedy in Mangaluru: Victim’s Kin Files Complaint Against Officials for Negligence

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, June 1, 2025: In a tragic incident at Hittilukodi Koppala, Montepadav, a landslide triggered by heavy rains on Friday flattened a house, claiming three lives and leaving two others severely injured. The victim’s kin has now accused local authorities and contractors of negligence.

Teju Kumar, brother of Ashwini, who was gravely injured in the disaster, filed a complaint with the Konaje police, blaming the Panchayat Development Officer (PDO), engineers, contractors of the zilla panchayat, and officials of the Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Ltd (KRIDL) for carrying out “unscientific work” on the hill above the house, allegedly causing the landslide.

The landslide occurred around 3.30 a.m., destroying the house of Seetharam, Ashwini’s husband. Ashwini and her father-in-law, Kanthappa Poojary, sustained severe injuries and are undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Deralakatte. Tragically, Ashwini’s children, Aryan (3) and Aarush (2), along with her mother-in-law, Prema Poojary, lost their lives in the incident. Ashwini’s injuries required both her legs to be amputated, though her condition is reported to be stable.

In his complaint, Teju Kumar alleged that the unscientific road construction carried out by the Manjanady Gram Panchayat PDO, KRIDL officials, and contractors directly led to the mishap. “The officials and contractors were aware of the risks but proceeded negligently, resulting in the loss of three lives,” he stated. He has urged the police to file charges under Sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 106 (death by negligence).

Responding to the complaint, Mangaluru City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy confirmed that the Konaje police had already registered a case of unnatural death regarding the incident. “We have received a petition from Teju Kumar. If evidence supporting the allegations emerges, appropriate legal action will be taken,” Reddy said.

The incident has sparked outrage, with locals demanding accountability and stricter adherence to safety norms in infrastructure projects, particularly in hilly and rain-prone areas.