Mandya district records lowest birth sex ratio in Karnataka, study shows
Mandya: Despite awareness campaigns and programmes by both the central and state governments to protect the girl child, Mandya district continues to report the lowest child sex ratio (0–6 years) in Karnataka, according to a recent Child Rights Index report released by the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR).
The study, cited by The New Indian Express on Sunday, identifies several districts in the state with low sex ratios at birth, including Mandya, Bagalkot, Bidar, Chikkaballapur, and Kalaburagi, with ratios below 900 in certain years. India’s SDG Index, in comparison, targets a sex ratio at birth of 950 females per 1,000 males.
Mandya has consistently witnessed a low sex ratio over the past four years: 884 in 2020, 873 in 2021, 877 in 2022, and 887 in 2023. Other districts fared slightly better in 2023, with Bagalkot at 919, Bidar 920, Kalaburagi 910, and Chikkaballapur 937, although most of these districts had ratios below 900 in 2022.
The study, conducted by S. Madheswaran and B.P. Vani of the Institute for Social and Economic Change, notes that the child sex ratio in Karnataka was relatively stable until 2011 but has declined to 916 during 2018–20. Historically, the ratio dropped from 975 in 1981 to 946 in 2001, inched up to 948 in 2011, and fell again in recent years.
The study cites sex-selective abortions, imbalance at birth, and excess female infant mortality as key contributors. “There are various factors responsible for low female ratio, including gender-based differences in feeding practices, healthcare-seeking behaviour, and differences in immunisation rates between boys and girls,” states the report. Additionally, declining fertility rates and reduced family sizes influence overall sex ratios.
Venkatesh, a KSCPCR member in Mandya, highlighted the difficulty in tracking illegal abortion centres. In one instance, an ultrasound facility operating inside a jaggery factory reportedly referred patients to abortion centres.
“After doing an ultrasound, they referred these patients to various abortion centres. When we come across issues like female infanticide, we inspect the place and, on finding evidence, we report to the police. However, the issue is still a matter of concern,” TNIE quoted him as saying.
Venkatesh added that authorities do not want Mandya to be known as a centre for female infanticide and noted that the practice continues, particularly when parents want their first child to be a son or do not want a second girl child.
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Two wanted men held after shootout with police in Delhi's Dwarka
New Delhi (PTI): Two men accused in an attempt to murder case in southwest Delhi's Chhawla area were apprehended after a shootout, an official said on Sunday.
The accused, identified as Rocky (22) and Sumit alias Koki (24), were allegedly involved in an attempt to murder on April 17, he said.
According to police, the incident involved two assailants arriving on a motorcycle, with one of them allegedly attempting to fire at the complainant from close range. However, the weapon malfunctioned, and the duo fled the spot.
Acting on specific inputs, a police team intercepted the suspects near the Urban Extension Road (UER) at around 5.35 am when they were riding a motorcycle.
When asked to surrender, Rocky allegedly opened fire at the police team and discharged three rounds. One of the bullets struck the bulletproof vest of a head constable, narrowly missing him.
"The police team retaliated in controlled self-defence, firing three rounds and injuring Rocky below his left knee. He was subsequently overpowered after a brief scuffle," a senior police officer said.
Sumit alias Koki, who was riding the motorcycle, was also apprehended at the spot with a loaded weapon and a live cartridge, police added.
The injured accused was shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. The police said further investigation is underway to ascertain the motive behind the attack and to identify any other persons involved in the conspiracy.
