A devastating landslide in Montepadav near Deralakatte, Mangaluru, has claimed three lives, prompting serious allegations of negligence against local government bodies. Teju Kumar, brother of Ashwini—who was critically injured—filed a formal complaint with Konaje police accusing officials of the Manjanady Gram Panchayat, KRIDL, Zilla Panchayat engineers, and contractors of unscientific and irresponsible work on a hill directly above the victim’s home.
On Friday at 3:30 am, a portion of the hill collapsed, destroying the home of Seetharam. The landslide resulted in the tragic deaths of Ashwini’s children, Aryan (3) and Aarush (2), and mother-in-law Prema Poojary. Ashwini and her father-in-law Kanthappa Poojary sustained severe injuries; Ashwini has since lost both legs and remains under medical care in Deralakatte.
Teju’s complaint specifically blames PDO Chaitra, engineers, and KRIDL officials for proceeding with risky hilltop roadwork despite allegedly being aware of the imminent danger. He has demanded action under Sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 106 (death by negligence) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Mangaluru City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy confirmed that a case of unnatural death is already on record. “We have received the petition. If supporting evidence is found, legal action will follow,” he stated.
The tragedy has sparked public outcry, with demands for accountability and immediate action against those allegedly responsible.
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