Factory owner, three others arrested for mishandling Dalit labourer’s death
Mangaluru, Karnataka: Police have arrested four individuals for their alleged role in negligently disposing of the body of Shivappa (70), a Dalit labourer, in Puttur taluk of Dakshina Kannada district.
Shivappa, a resident of Keremoole near Sullia, worked as an assistant mason at Tauro Cement Fabrication Unit in Salmara village. On November 16, he reportedly collapsed and died during work hours. Instead of seeking medical aid or informing his family, factory owner Henry Tauro allegedly transported Shivappa’s body in a pickup truck and abandoned it near his residence, placing it on wooden logs by the roadside, police said.
The incident sparked widespread outrage, with Dalit organizations such as the Adi Dravida Samaja Seva Sangha demanding justice and a thorough investigation. Protests over delays in apprehending the suspects intensified public scrutiny, resulting in the arrests of Henry Tauro, his son Kiran, their assistant Prakash, and a mason named Stany.
Shivappa’s son-in-law lodged a complaint stating that the accused brought him home unresponsive on November 16. He was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
A case has been registered under the Prevention of Atrocities Against Dalits Act. Authorities are investigating both the cause of death and allegations of improper treatment of Shivappa’s body.
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