Bengaluru: If the government had punished the culprits, who raped and murdered SSLC student Danamma in Vijayapura district, the criminals wouldn’t have dared to lay their hands on Ashwathi (name changed), a 19-year-old girl from the same district. Ashwathi, a resident of Assanthapura village near Devarahipparagi town, went missing and her body was found on September 19. Madivalappa Basappa Badiger (27), the main accused, had taken her on his bike after she got down from a bus.
It is said that she was in love with Madivalappa. When Ashwathi did not return home, her mother went to the police station to lodge a complaint, but the police flatly refused and sent her back. When the issue became big, the police registered a complaint much later. PSI Vinod Pujari and ASI Asangi were suspended for laxity. Madivalappa was arrested and a case was registered against six others on charges of kidnapping, life threat and attempt to destroy evidence.
Mr Chikkathimmaiah, president of the BMTC SC/ST Employees’ Welfare Association, said that if only the police had acted in the rape and murder of the SSLC student, there would have been a fear of law in the district and further crimes could have been prevented.
“The accused get bail in such cases and roam freely, encouraging such crimes. This BJP-led government should visit the home of Ashwathi. Deputy Chief Minister Govind Karajol, who himself belongs to the oppressed class, should see to it that her family gets justice and protect Dalit girls from rapists,” he said during a protest.
The protesters, who were taking part in the agitation organised by the association, also demanded better compensation for the family of Ashwathi.
Then chief minister Siddaramaiah had given Rs 25 lakh compensation to Danamma’s family. This government too should compensate Ashwathi’s family properly, they demanded.
Members of the Kannada Krushi Prathisthana, Kannada Kriya Samithi and AITUC took part in the protest organised near Town Hall in the city. If the government fails to take action and instil fear among criminals, in no time there will be another case of rape and murder of an innocent girl in northern parts of the state, they warned.
