Mangaluru— At the SC/ST grievance redressal meeting hosted by the Mangaluru City and Dakshina Kannada District Police, social activist Shekhar Laila brought forward pressing concerns affecting marginalised communities in Belthangady and surrounding areas.

Laila shed light on the Malekudiya families—about 200 households across nine villages in Kudremukh National Park—who lack basic amenities such as electricity and road access. He also flagged the dangerous situation faced by Koraga families in Atrinje, Sulkeri, who are forced to cross a river on a fragile wooden log during monsoons, despite a sanctioned bridge being constructed a kilometre away, far from their settlement.

Superintendent of Police Dr Arun K assured that these issues would be verified and addressed. He also responded to reports of a near-fatal incident at Ithilapela in Savanalu, where two riders nearly drowned in a flooded stream due to the lack of a bridge. The SP asked for a list of villages needing footbridges to forward proposals to the appropriate departments.

Further, Laila raised concerns over 18 contract-based ‘D’ group workers at Belthangady Taluk Hospital, who are allegedly underpaid and denied leave. The SP promised to discuss this with the District Health Officer.

A Dalit representative voiced grievances from 13 SC families in Nirde and Ajakala, Puttur taluk, who have no road access—even pregnant women and the ill struggle to reach services. The SP committed to escalating this to the Deputy Commissioner and District Legal Services Authority.

Also discussed was illegal activity on school premises in Vamadapadavu, where gutka and alcohol consumption were reported. Police assured increased night patrols.

Sand Mafia Behind Shortages

Responding to complaints about scarce sand and laterite stone supply, SP Dr Arun K dismissed the notion of a shortage, blaming the CRZ sand mafia for manipulating the situation. He said legal sand blocks are available via the Sand Bazaar app, and that legal construction won’t be obstructed, but illegal sand extraction will face strict action.