SC-ST Commission Takes Serious Note Of Honour Killing In Dharwad District
Speaking to reporters on Thursday after visiting members of the family who were injured in the assault and murder incident and are currently undergoing treatment at Vivekananda Hospital, Commission chairman Dr Murthy L said on Thursday Dr Murthy said the affected family has sought security, employment and rehabilitation.
Dharwad: The Karnataka State Commission for Scheduled Castes and has taken the honour killing incident reported from Inam Veerapur village in Hubballi taluk with utmost seriousness and will recommend to the government and concerned authorities that strict legal action be initiated against those responsible.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday after visiting members of the family who were injured in the assault and murder incident and are currently undergoing treatment at Vivekananda Hospital, Commission chairman Dr Murthy L said on Thursday Dr Murthy said the affected family has sought security, employment and rehabilitation. He added that he would personally meet the Chief Minister to brief him about the case and submit appropriate recommendations on relief and long-term support measures.
“To strengthen equality, harmony and human values in society, everyone must work together. In this regard, the Commission will take steps to organise joint awareness programmes across Dharwad district and the entire state in coordination with the district administration, Zilla Panchayat, police department and Social Welfare Department,” Dr Murthy said.
Describing the incident as deeply unfortunate, Dr Murthy said a tragic episode arising out of an inter-caste marriage had taken the form of an honour killing. “That a father killed his own daughter for entering into an inter-caste marriage is not only an attack on humanity but also an act against constitutional values. No one has the right to take the law into their own hands. Such brutal acts are dangerous to society and must not be tolerated under any circumstances,” he said.
After interacting with the injured, Dr Murthy said that, as a doctor himself, he observed that they continue to live in an atmosphere of fear and anxiety. Such incidents create a sense of insecurity among the general public, particularly women, he warned.
He said doctors treating the injured have informed that their condition is gradually improving. An FIR has already been registered in connection with the case. As complaints have also been received against certain officials, these will be examined and investigated, and a report will be submitted to the government. He added that discussions will be held with district, taluk and police officials to prevent the recurrence of such incidents in the future.
Dr Murthy said it was painful that such an inhuman incident had taken place in a district known for its culture and values. However, he noted that timely intervention by the district administration and police helped avert further tragedy by providing adequate security and necessary assistance to the affected family.
Calling the incident a despicable act committed in the name of caste, he said the Commission strongly condemns it and will ensure proper protection and compensation for the victims. He pointed out that Rs 5 lakh has been provided as compensation to the family through the Deputy Commissioner, while the Social Welfare Department has supplied essential groceries and food items. The injured are receiving appropriate medical treatment, and police security has been provided both in the village and at the hospital.
Despite decades having passed since Independence, the continued prevalence of caste discrimination in society remains a matter of serious concern, Dr Murthy observed.
He said that when such incidents occur even in districts that uphold the ideals of Basavanna, who preached social equality, human dignity and a caste-free society, it becomes necessary to reflect on what the situation might be in other places.
