Karnataka Human Rights Commission Critiques State for Missing ATR in Couple's Honour Killing Case
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Synopsis
The Karnataka State Human Rights Commission has condemned the state government for its failure to submit the Action Taken Report in the honour killing case of a couple in Gadag district. The couple, who entered into an inter-caste marriage, was murdered by family members, prompting serious inquiries into the protection of their children’s rights.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka State Human Rights Commission criticized the state for not submitting ATR.
- Couple's honour killing in Gadag district highlighted major human rights concerns.
- Government warned for non-compliance with recommendations.
- Orphaned children to receive government scheme benefits.
- Next hearing scheduled for February 5.
Bengaluru, Jan 25 (NationPress) The Karnataka State Human Rights Commission has criticized the state government for failing to submit the Action Taken Report (ATR) regarding the honour killing of a couple in Gadag district, who had engaged in an inter-caste marriage.
The Registrar of the Commission has issued a stern warning to the Principal Secretary of the Social Welfare Department, P. Manivannan, emphasizing that this oversight will be taken seriously.
The Commission has pointed out that the Social Welfare Department has breached Section E of the Human Rights Act 1993.
A letter was sent to Manivannan concerning the failure to comply with the Commission's recommendations, as confirmed by sources on Saturday.
The Commission had previously submitted a report and recommendations to the government regarding this case and requested an ATR.
Despite multiple letters requesting this report since 2019, the Social Welfare Department has ignored these requests.
Ramesh Madar, a 29-year-old man from Lakkalakatti village in Gadag district, and Gangamma Rathod, 23, married out of love despite facing opposition from their families. They later relocated to Shivamogga.
The couple had two children: a three-year-old son and a two-month-old daughter.
The couple was brutally murdered by Gangamma's brothers in front of their children. The police later apprehended the suspects.
The State Human Rights Commission has taken special note of this case and has communicated with the Deputy Commissioner of Gadag district, the Deputy Director of the Social Welfare Department, and officials from the Ambedkar Development Authority.
The Deputy Commissioner’s office has recommended compensation for the orphaned children from the Chief Minister's relief fund.
The Commission is seeking a report on the current situation of the orphaned children following their parents' murder.
Additionally, it inquired whether local police could have prevented the tragedy and if the children's human rights are being safeguarded.
The Commission has also issued a notice to the Superintendent of Police, questioning the accountability of officers for their failure to prevent the couple's murder.
Repeated requests for reports on schemes to protect the educational rights of the children and their safety have been made by the Commission.
Sources indicate that in response to the Commission's reprimand, the government has assured that the orphaned children will receive benefits from various government schemes, and their educational rights will be legally protected.
However, due to the government's failure to provide the ATR after a serious warning, the case has been postponed to February 5.
