The family that lost three members in a devastating landslide at Montepadavu on May 30 has appealed to Deputy Commissioner Darshan HV to order a high-level investigation into the incident. The landslide, reported at Pambada Hittilu Kodi Koppala in Manjanady village, claimed the lives of three members of a single family and left another grievously injured, resulting in a double leg amputation.
Family devastated as landslide buries home
The tragic incident occurred when a massive portion of a hill collapsed onto the house of Ashwini, a resident of Montepadavu. Five members of the family were trapped under the mud. Rescue teams were able to pull out Kanthappa Poojary and his daughter Ashwini alive. However, 58-year-old Prema Poojary and her grandsons—two-and-a-half-year-old Aryan and one-year-old Arush—died in the landslide.
Following the rescue, Ashwini was rushed to hospital with severe injuries. Despite efforts to save her limbs, doctors were forced to amputate both her legs due to extensive damage. The family has since been struggling to cope with the emotional and financial impact of the tragedy.
Allegation of unscientific excavation
In a written appeal submitted to DC Darshan HV, Teju Kumar, brother of Ashwini, alleged that unscientific excavation work carried out near the house was the main cause of the landslide. He claimed that engineers and officials from the Manjanady gram panchayat had used a JCB machine to cut a 70-ft section of the hill behind Ashwini’s home, making the area vulnerable.
“The rainwater that fell on this unstable land led to the complete devastation of my family,” he said. According to him, experienced engineers and villagers had advised against such excavation, calling it unsafe. On the day of the incident, a formal complaint was submitted to the state’s chief secretary and the Konaje police station. However, the police registered the matter as an Unnatural Death (UDR) case.
Teju Kumar has now urged the DC to intervene, alleging that the earlier report prepared by local officials was “fabricated” and ignored expert warnings about the risks posed by the excavation.
Appeal for justice and long-term support
The family has stressed that the compensation received so far has only addressed Ashwini’s urgent medical needs. With both legs amputated, Ashwini faces a long, difficult road to rehabilitation. Her family has requested enhanced and sustained support for her livelihood, mobility, home reconstruction and long-term care.
“Action should be taken against those responsible for the unsafe excavation and for filing misleading reports. My sister has lost both legs. Our family has lost three lives. We need justice, accountability and support,” Teju Kumar stated in his appeal.
He further requested that a fresh and independent report be submitted to the government as well as the Human Rights Commission.
DC assures action after expert committee report
Speaking to reporters, Deputy Commissioner Darshan HV confirmed that a committee led by the Zilla Panchayat CEO and an expert from NITK Surathkal is already examining the incident. The report is yet to be submitted.
“Once the report reaches me, I will look into it. If needed, I will personally visit the site along with the ZP CEO. The family has lost their house, so we will ensure they are sanctioned a house under a government scheme,” the DC said.
He added that the administration will also examine how best to support Ashwini’s rehabilitation and consider enhanced compensation, acknowledging the seriousness of her injuries.
Conclusion
The Montepadavu landslide has not only shaken a family but has also raised serious questions about the safety of unregulated excavation in hilly regions. As the district administration awaits the expert committee’s findings, the affected family continues to seek justice, accountability and long-term support. The outcome of the probe is expected to clarify whether negligence played a role in the tragedy and what corrective measures are necessary to prevent similar incidents in the future.