Mangaluru: Ashwini, who lost both her legs after being trapped in a massive hill collapse at Montepadavu in Manjanady on May 30, 2025, broke down in tears before the State Human Rights Commission on Wednesday, seeking justice. She was accompanied by her mother, Pushpavathi, during the public grievance hearing.
The hearing was held at the Nethravathi Hall of the Zilla Panchayat and was presided over by the Chairman of the Karnataka State Human Rights Commission, Dr Shyam Bhat, along with member S.K. Vantigodi. Ashwini arrived in a private ambulance and, seated in a wheelchair, stopped the Chairman and Commission members at the entrance of the hall to express her anguish over the incident and the alleged delay in justice.
Tragedy at Montepadavu
Social activist Ravi, representing Ashwini, briefed the Commission about the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. He stated that at Pambada Hithilu Kodi Koppala area of Manjanady village, a portion of a hill allegedly collapsed onto Ashwini’s house, leading to devastating consequences.
In the incident, Ashwini’s two young children and her mother-in-law died on the spot. Ashwini herself suffered critical injuries and eventually lost both her legs. The family’s house was completely destroyed in the landslide.
It was alleged before the Commission that unscientific construction activity carried out on the hill behind the house had weakened the soil structure and triggered the collapse. The complainant argued that the landslide was not a purely natural calamity but the result of human negligence, and therefore accountability must be fixed.
Demand for adequate compensation
Ashwini has so far received Rs 2 lakh as compensation from the government for the loss of her legs. However, her representatives contended that the amount was grossly inadequate considering the magnitude of the tragedy, which claimed three lives and left her permanently disabled.
The family has also not received any permanent rehabilitation or alternative housing arrangement despite losing their home in the disaster. A complaint had earlier been submitted to the Human Rights Commission and other authorities seeking lifelong financial support, enhanced compensation and proper housing facilities.
During the hearing, the Commission members examined the case file and sought information from the officials concerned. Activist Ravi urged the panel to ensure just and comprehensive compensation, including medical assistance, livelihood support and secure accommodation for Ashwini and her surviving family members.
Commission seeks NITK report
After hearing the submissions, Dr Shyam Bhat assured that appropriate action would be taken based on the findings of a technical report to be submitted by the National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK). The report is expected to assess the cause of the hill collapse and determine whether negligence or unauthorised construction contributed to the landslide.
Commission member S.K. Vantigodi described the case as a serious matter during scrutiny of the documents and stated that further steps would be initiated after receipt of the NITK report. Officials were directed to give due attention to the case and ensure that necessary information is furnished without delay.
Among those present at the hearing were Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Vinayak Narwade, Deputy Conservator of Forests Anthony Mariyappa and Assistant Commissioner Meenakshi.
The emotional appeal by Ashwini has brought renewed attention to the Montepadavu landslide tragedy and the broader issue of accountability in cases involving alleged unscientific construction on vulnerable terrain. The Commission’s final course of action is expected after the technical findings are placed on record, offering hope to the victim and her family for justice and rehabilitation.