Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, June 4: Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta pulled up the Konaje police over the delay in filing an FIR in connection with the recent tragic landslide at Urumane Kodi in Manjanady, even as the Karnataka chief secretary has directed an official inquiry into the incident.
The May 30 night tragedy claimed the lives of Prem Poojary (60), and her grandchildren Aryan (3) and Aarush (1.5 years), when a 30-foot-high hill collapsed onto their house. Seetharam Poojary’s wife Ashwini and father Kanthappa Poojary sustained grievous injuries, both requiring leg amputations.
MP Brijesh Chowta visited the injured victims at K S Hegde Hospital in Deralakatte and later spoke with family members who submitted a memorandum seeking action. They pointed out that despite submitting a complaint on May 31 alleging that unscientific roadwork was responsible for the disaster, the Konaje police had not registered an FIR against the engineer, contractor, or the gram panchayat PDO.
The MP immediately called up Konaje police inspector Rajendra and demanded an explanation. When told that instructions from senior officers were awaited and a UDR (Unnatural Death Report) had been filed, the MP firmly instructed the officer to register an FIR without delay, stating, “I am telling you now as a Member of Parliament—register the case immediately and then proceed with the investigation.”
He assured the family that the government would provide all support and said he would also take up the matter with the deputy commissioner, who is expected to visit in two days.
State chief secretary orders probe
Meanwhile, in response to a complaint sent to the chief secretary of Karnataka by Seetharam Poojary, the chief secretary Shalini Rajneesh has directed an investigation into the incident. The directive has been issued to the Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner and CEO of the zilla panchayat.
The complaint alleges that the tragedy occurred due to negligence during the construction of a CC road under the SC Welfare Department’s scheme, executed by the KRIDL (Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited) Mangaluru unit. It also cites the lack of mandatory geotechnical surveys by the mines and geology department and necessary permissions from the forest department despite hill cutting and the presence of trees.
Officials have now been tasked with submitting a report. It remains to be seen whether the police will now act by registering the FIR or if the matter will proceed solely through the administrative probe.
Several party leaders and local representatives including district BJP president Satish Kumpala, constituency president Jagadeesh Alva, and Kotekar TP president Divya Shetty were present during the MP’s hospital visit.