Mangaluru: The Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) Dakshina Kannada district unit staged a strong protest at Kuloor Junction on Tuesday, holding the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) responsible for the recent death of Madhavi, a woman who lost her life in a pothole-related accident.
Addressing the gathering, DYFI district president B. K. Imtiyaz described the tragedy as a “sponsored murder” sanctioned by the negligence of the highway authority. He alleged that the stretch of National Highway between Nanthoor and Surathkal has become a death trap, with massive potholes making it unfit for travel.
“This highway has turned into a graveyard for commuters. Two-wheeler riders are the worst affected, and fatal accidents have become a daily occurrence. Yet the NHAI and our elected representatives remain in deep slumber,” Imtiyaz thundered.
Demand for accountability and compensation
The protesters demanded maximum compensation for Madhavi’s family and criminal action against NHAI officials who, they allege, failed to maintain the road despite repeated complaints.
“Madhavi’s death is not an accident—it’s a murder caused by the apathy of the authorities. If potholes are not repaired immediately, we will intensify our agitation across the district,” Imtiyaz warned.
The speakers also accused authorities of treating public outrage with indifference. They stressed that citizens can no longer tolerate the rising death toll from pothole-related accidents in Dakshina Kannada.
Political leaders criticised
The DYFI also targeted elected representatives, particularly Dakshina Kannada MP Brijesh Chowta, accusing him of ignoring the crisis.
“Instead of addressing road safety and saving lives, he has joined hands with communal political forces. This silence in the face of people’s deaths is disgraceful,” Imtiyaz said, drawing loud protests from the gathering against the MP.
Voices of solidarity
Former corporator Dayanand Shetty and Manjula Nayak, president of Samarasya Mangaluru, also addressed the protest. Both expressed solidarity with Madhavi’s family and condemned the authorities’ failure to act despite repeated public complaints.
A strong contingent of women leaders, including Meena Tellis, Soumya Panjimogaru, Prameela, Yogita, Madhuri, and Asha Baikampady, participated actively, demanding accountability and immediate road repairs.
Activists and citizens join in large numbers
Several social activists and citizens, including Vincent Kodikal, Kanakadas Kuloor, Musthafa Panjimogaru, Manoj Kulal, Sujith, Sharif Mayil, Anil D’Souza, Tauseef Angaragundi, and Yogesh Jappinamogaru, extended their support.
DYFI leaders from across the district — Manoj Vamanjoor, Rizwan Harekal, Tayyub Bengre, Naushad Bengre, Hanif Bengre, Naveen D’Souza, Khalil Panjimogaru, Basheer, B. K. Masood, Sadiq Mulki, Santosh D’Souza, Likhith Vamanjoor, Musthafa Baikampady, Ajmal Khan, and I. Mohammad — participated in large numbers, strengthening the agitation.
Call for urgent corrective measures
The protesters concluded with a strong resolution, demanding immediate repair of potholes, restoration of safe travel conditions, and criminal accountability for officials whose negligence has led to deaths.
They warned that unless urgent steps are taken, the DYFI and like-minded organisations will launch intensified district-wide agitations.