Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Vows Firm Action Following Assault on Laborers
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Synopsis
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah has condemned the brutal assault of three laborers in Vijayapura and pledged strict action against the perpetrators. The incident has drawn significant attention, leading to arrests and promises of justice for the victims, all of whom belong to the Dalit community.
Key Takeaways
- Strict action promised by Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah.
- Two arrests made, with three more suspects expected.
- The victims are from the Dalit community.
- Incident stems from laborers returning late after a festival.
- Video evidence of the assault has circulated widely.
Jayapura (Karnataka), Jan 20 (NationPress) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has responded to the alarming incident where three laborers in Vijayapura district were viciously attacked by their employer for returning late to work. He assured that decisive measures would be taken against those responsible.
Addressing the media in Bengaluru on Monday, CM Siddaramaiah denounced the occurrence and promised necessary action.
The Karnataka police have apprehended two suspects connected to the incident, including Khemu Rathod, the owner of the brick factory, alongside an unconfirmed relative.
Vijayapura SP Laxman Nimbargi informed reporters about the situation, stating, “A video depicting the brutal assault on three laborers gained widespread attention in Vijayapura. Following a complaint, the police swiftly identified and arrested two perpetrators.”
“There are three additional suspects involved who will also face arrest shortly. The victims had traveled to their hometowns to celebrate the Sankranti festival. Upon their return two days later, they were assaulted by Khemu Rathod and his relatives. We will initiate strict legal actions against them,” SP Nimbargi added.
The Minister for Large and Medium Industries, M.B. Patil, who is from Vijayapura, also condemned the attack on the laborers and promised that all suspects would be apprehended.
“I am in constant communication with the SP and receiving updates regarding the case. The police have officially recorded the complaint,” he mentioned.
“All three victims are members of the Dalit community. I have also discussed this issue with the Deputy Commissioner. The accused, Khemu Rathod, attempted to negotiate with the victims, but no leniency will be tolerated, and strict measures will be enforced to ensure justice,” Minister Patil stressed.
The horrifying incident of three laborers being violently attacked for returning late to work after festival celebrations surfaced on Monday in Vijayapura district. A video showing the laborers being beaten with iron pipes by three individuals went viral, causing widespread outrage.
As per police reports, the incident took place at a brick factory located near Star Chowk in the Gandhinagar area on the outskirts of Vijayapura city.
The victims have been identified as Sadashiva Madara, S. Babaladi, and Umesha Madara, hailing from Chakkaliki village in Bagalkot district.
Initial investigations revealed that Khemu Rathod, the owner of the brick factory, punished the laborers inhumanely for a minor infraction.
Police sources indicated that the laborers had received an advance payment from Khemu Rathod upon agreeing to work at his brick factory. They had gone home to celebrate the Sankranti festival but returned two days late.
The delay infuriated Khemu Rathod, who initially verbally assaulted them and questioned their tardiness. Despite the victims assuring that they would complete their pending tasks, the accused became enraged. He ordered the laborers to be restrained and subsequently subjected them to brutal assault.
The video footage shows the laborers bound with ropes, forced to sit with their legs extended. One of the assailants is seen gripping a victim's hair while standing on their legs, while another brutally beats the victim’s feet with an iron pipe.
