Two Dalit men killed in Bengaluru after altercation over drinking water leads to fatal attack
Bengaluru: Two Dalit men lost their lives in a tragic incident in Bengaluru on Thursday after a scuffle over drinking water at a local hotel turned fatal. The incident has sparked outrage in the community, leading to a massive protest outside the Rajanukunte police station. Demands for the immediate arrest and strict legal action against the perpetrators were voiced by the victims' relatives and leaders of the Bahujan Samajwadi Party (BSP).
The victims, Nagaraj and Ramayya, residents of Challahalli near Hesaraghatta Hobli, were allegedly intentionally mowed down by a car in broad daylight. The incident occurred as the victims, along with their colleague Gopal, were travelling to work at the KMF factory. The car, driven by rowdy-sheeter Bharath, Nishant, Vinay, and others, struck their bike from behind in the early hours of Thursday. Tragically, Nagaraj and Ramayya succumbed to their injuries at the scene, while Gopal sustained severe injuries and is currently receiving treatment at a private hospital.
The incident is believed to be a culmination of a previous altercation that took place twenty days ago at a hotel near Hesaraghatta. During that incident, Bharath directed casteist slurs over Nagaraj drinking water. Bharath openly threatened to kill Nagaraj after the elections. Nagaraj's father, who is already a rowdy-sheeter with a history of serious charges, Venkatesh, lodged a complaint with the Rajanakunte police and demanded that strict legal action be taken against Bharath, Nishant, and Vinay.
Marasandra Muniyappa, the Bahujan Samajwadi Party state in-charge, condemned the incident, stating that it was a deliberate act to mow down the victims. He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation at the crime scene, as it strongly suggests murder. The police have registered a case against the accused and have taken Bharath and his friends into custody for interrogation. Muniyappa warned that if strict action is not taken against the perpetrators, the protests will continue.
Responding to the incident, a senior police officer confirmed that a complaint has been filed at the Rajanukunte police station. The police have apprehended Bharath and his friends, who were identified as responsible for the incident. Further investigations are underway.
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Nearly 700 km of Karnataka rivers polluted; cities, towns depend on contaminated water
Shivamogga: A total of 693.75 of river stretches across Karnataka are polluted, and water from several of these rivers is being supplied to towns and cities, the State government informed the Legislative Assembly.
According to a report published by The New Indian Express on Monday, replying to an unstarred question by Thirthahalli MLA Araga Jnanendra during the winter session in Belagavi, Forest, Environment and Biodiversity Minister Eshwar Khandre said rivers are classified into five categories, P1 to P5, based on Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) levels, with P1 being the most polluted.
He reportedly said untreated domestic wastewater from urban and rural areas is the main reason for river pollution. Arkavati, Lakshana Teertha, Tungabhadra, Bhadra, Tunga, Cauvery, Kabini, Kagina, Krishna, Shimsha, Bheema and Netravati are the polluted rivers and so far, 112 polluted drainages along these rivers have been identified.
Khandre explained that rivers are classified into five pollution categories P1 to P5. The Arkavati River has been placed in the P1 category, while no rivers fall under P2 and P3. Tungabhadra, Bhadra and Shimsha are categorised under P4, and eight other rivers fall under P5.
Khandre allegedly said domestic wastewater from municipalities, towns and villages along riverbeds is being discharged into at least 17 rivers, identified by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This is the primary cause of river pollution.
According to the report, the minister said drinking water is being supplied from polluted rivers in districts such as Mandya, Ramanagara, Vijayapura and Shivamogga. In parts of Uttara Kannada, Ballari, Vijayanagara and Bagalkot, local bodies are also drawing water from polluted river sources.
In 2022-23, CPCB identified South Pinakini, Aghanashini, Sharavathi and Gangavali rivers too as polluted. But wrote to CPCB, stating that these rivers are not polluted and sought their removal from the list. An action plan is being prepared for the South Pinakini River, he said.
On remedial measures, Khandre reportedly said the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board is setting up sewage treatment plants as per the directions of National Green Tribunal.
As per the report, under 12 river rejuvenation plans, the state generates 817.31 million litres per day (MLD) of sewage. While 41 STPs with a capacity of 614.1 MLD are operational, 203.21 MLD of sewage remains untreated.
Work is underway to establish 19 STPs with a capacity of 248.91 MLD, while 39 more STPs with a combined capacity of 357.92 MLD are in the planning stage. Progress is being monitored and reported regularly to the NGT and the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti.
The minister reportedly said the state government gave its approval for underground drainage works worth Rs 535.56 crore in 2021 for 24 cities/towns besides Rs 523.80 crore for nine UGD projects.
