Daijiworld Media Network - Bagalkot (SP)

Bagalkot, Mar 23: Upset with the fact that the legislator had not kept his promise of providing the job of village assistant to her son, a woman on Marchended her life in front of Badami MLA, B B Chimmanakatti's residence on Thursday March 22. .

Shantavva Valikar (55) from Yaragoppa SB village in Badami taluk took this extreme step. It is said that Shantavva had approached the MLA with the request for a job for her son, Shankrappa Valikar and the MLA, who had promised her, instead, used his influence to give this job to a person named Govindappa, who reportedly belongs to the community to which the MLA belongs.

The woman, agitated by this act, had been trying to speak to the MLA. She had gone to the house of the MLA on Thursday too, but he was not at home. She immediately consumed the insecticide she had brought with her and collapsed onto the ground. By the time the supporters of Chimmanakatti rushed her to hospital she breathed her last.

As soon as the news of Shantavva's death spread, villagers and family members blocked traffic on the highway adjacent to the government hospital. District president of Valmiki Mahasabha, Raju Naikar, addressing the protesters, said that the job of village assistant has traditionally been done by the people belonging to Valmiki community. He said that the government has the responsibility to give job to the son after his father's death. He pointed out that Shankrappa has been working without any pay in the job since the last four years and still, his claim for the job was overlooked. Overwhelmed with this injustice, his mother, Shantavva, committed suicide. The protesters demanded immediate arrest of those responsible for her demise.

Deputy commissioner of the district, Shantaram, who rushed to the spot, regretted the incident and promised to check the possibility of giving the job of village assistant to Shankarappa. He said that the social welfare department will disburse compensation to the distressed family and assured to take action against the guilty, but the protesters continued their agitation, demanding the arrest of the MLA.

In the meanwhile, a complaint about the said suicide has been registered at Badami police station, in which MLA, B B Chimmanakatti and seven others have been named accused. The complaint was given by Shankrappa, son of Shantavva. The protesters have warned of extending their fight all over the district if the MLA is not arrested within 24 hours.

Shankarappa Valikar said he has been working as village assistant since the last four years based on the MLA's assurance. He said that his mother often met the MLA and was promised of providing job to him. He sought action against the MLA and tahsildar besides providing him a government job. He said he was unaware that his mother was carrying a poisonous substance when she left home to seek a job for him and that he would have stopped her if he was aware of it.

Chimmanakatti said he has not used his influence in this matter and the appointment of village assistant was made by the tahsildar as per the powers vested with him. He added that there is no question of him using his influence by violating the law.