VILLAGE OSTRASIZE FAMILY;

Madikeri June 18, 2007

In a society speaking hoards about human right and humanity, a family in a village in Kodagu is facing the trauma of ostracize.

Even police have ignored the fact and allow family to suffer, according to reports Thanga, wife of late Manjunath has lodged a complaint in vain with the Madapur police stating that the Moovathoklu village near Madapur village, under the leadership of a colony temple committee has ostracized her family. They have threatened to impose a fine of rupees five hundred if any of her family members visit any houses.

The saga began after Thanga’s son in-law Manjunath died a few years ago. His death was linked to HIV infection. The village now says that Sheela also has HIV. Hence they have barred Thanga, her widow daughter Sheela and her daughter Megha aged five from taking part in any of the activities in the village.

Thanga is a widow of late Ponnu. She has said that the temple committee has ostracized them with a reason that she has not paid the amount due to the temple to hide the actual reason from the authorities. She has said that the police have not responded to her complaints and appealed to media to assist her. Thanga is living in an Ashraya house. She also alleged that people often threaten her to leave the place by trespassing into her house.

Superintendent of police Trilok Chandra told this correspondent that he will look into the matter.

IPC, POLICE RULES SHOULD BE AMMENDED;

High court judge Nagamohan Das has said that IPC and police rules should be amended to suit to the situation in this changing world.

He was addressing a seminar organized by Human Rights education and training organization here on Sunday to educate police personnel. He regretted that though the Judiciary has been pronouncing judgements against human rights violation, atrocities have been going on. Around forty percent of the atrocity cases go UN heard and unnoticed, he said. He told police officials that they should be aware that they have to stop atrocities reported from inside the stations by themselves. He said that police have to co operated well for the values of democracy to survive.

He regretted that about 1200 lock up deaths are reported in the country each year. This situation should change and police should change their attitude towards dealing with the public. He also noted that there are cases of police being killed by public too, and people also should co operate with police. They should realize the fact that police stake their life for the safety of people at times.

Chief guest Ashok Mathew, south India wing president of Human rights association addressed the gathering. Superintendent of police Trilok Chandra presided over the seminar. Sessions judge venkatesh, Rotary president Ganapathy and others were present on the dais.