Montepadavu landslide case: Victim breaks down before Human Rights Commission

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Feb 18, 2026: Ashwini, who lost both her legs after being trapped in a massive hill collapse at Montepadavu in Manjanady on May 30, 2025, broke down in tears before the State Human Rights Commission on Wednesday, seeking justice. She was accompanied by her mother, Pushpavathi.

The public grievance hearing was held at the Nethravathi Hall of the Zilla Panchayat by the Chairman of the State Human Rights Commission, Dr Shyam Bhat, and member S.K. Vantigodi. Ashwini, who arrived in a private ambulance with her mother, stopped the Chairman and members at the entrance of the hall while seated in a wheelchair and expressed her anguish.

Social activist Ravi, representing Ashwini, briefed the Commission about the case.

He explained that in the tragic incident at Montepadavu’s Pambada Hithilu Kodi Koppala area of Manjanady village, a hill collapsed onto their house, killing Ashwini’s two young children and mother-in-law on the spot. Ashwini, who was critically injured in the incident, lost both her legs. It was alleged that unscientific construction work on the hill behind the house led to the landslide, resulting in the loss of three lives and leaving Ashwini permanently disabled.

Ashwini has received Rs 2 lakh as compensation from the government for the loss of her legs. However, as the tragedy was reportedly caused by negligence, a complaint has already been submitted to the Human Rights Commission and other authorities seeking lifelong adequate compensation and proper housing arrangements for the victim. The family, which also lost their house in the incident, is yet to receive any alternative rehabilitation. The Commission was urged to ensure just compensation for the family.

After seeking information from the officials concerned, Commission Chairman Dr Shyam Bhat assured that action would be taken based on the report to be submitted by NITK.

During the scrutiny of the case file at the public hearing, Commission member S.K. Vantigodi described it as a serious matter and stated that further action would be initiated after receiving the NITK report. Officials were instructed to pay due attention to the case.

Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Vinayak Narwade, Deputy Conservator of Forests Anthony Mariyappa, and Mangaluru Assistant Commissioner Meenakshi were present.