Koppal | Dalit atrocity case in Marakumbi: Convicted accused dies
Koppal: A convict involved in a 2015 atrocity case against Dalits in Marakumbi village has passed away today (Friday) morning. The incident involved a violent assault on Dalits, including setting fire to their huts after entering their colony.
Yesterday (Oct 24), the court sentenced 98 individuals to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 each, while three other convicts from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe backgrounds received a 5-year jail sentence and a Rs 2,000 fine. Among them was Ramanna Bhovi, aged 30.
Ramanna, who had been unwell, was taken directly from the District and Sessions Court to the government district hospital last night but succumbed this morning (Oct 25) despite medical treatment.
In 2015, a clash arose in Marakumbi village in Gangavati taluk over the refusal to allow Dalits access to local barber shops and hotels. Police officials visited Marakumbi and registered a case, initiating an investigation. Enraged by this, a group of villagers attacked the Dalit colony at night and set their huts on fire.
In connection with this case, 117 villagers faced charges, with some accused already deceased. Charges were proven against 101 individuals, and 100 of them appeared for trial and were arrested. One accused did not appear but was later taken into custody by the police.
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Govt launches Haj Suvidha App 2.0 for ease of pilgrims
New Delhi, Nov 23: The Minority Affairs Ministry on Saturday launched the Haj Suvidha App 2.0 with the new version introducing key features such as air travel details, a navigation system with Mina maps, and medical history and health advisories for Indian pilgrims going on Haj.
The application was launched by Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju after he inaugurated the Conference of Chairpersons of State and UT Haj Committees in the presence of Minister of State for Minority Affairs, George Kurian and Chairman of the Haj Committee of India Abdullahkutti, among others.
In his address, Rijiju noted that the Haj pilgrimage is the largest logistical operation undertaken annually by the government of India beyond its borders.
He emphasised that Haj has long been a cornerstone of the strong bilateral relationship between India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Rijiju highlighted several significant reforms aimed at improving the pilgrimage experience, including the removal of the discretionary quota, the integration of technology through the Haj Suvidha App, and the provision of facilities for female pilgrims without Mehram.
Kurian spoke about the new measures being implemented for Haj 2025, designed to enhance the comfort and convenience of the Indian pilgrims.
Among the key initiatives, he mentioned the procurement of modern buildings with lifts not only in Aziziya but also in nearby areas close to the Haram.
Additionally, the latest model buses will be introduced for travel between Makkah, Madinah, and within the Mashaer region.
The conference, organised by the Haj Committee of India under the Ministry of Minority Affairs, also marked the launch of the Haj Suvidha App 2.0 by Rijiju.
Building on the success of the Haj Suvidha App 1.0 in 2024, the new version introduces key features such as the selection process, boarding pass and air travel details, a navigation system with Mina maps, and medical history and health advisories for Indian pilgrims.
The conference included discussions on stakeholder feedback, suggestions and preparations.
