DSS Demands High-Level Probe into Allegations of Rapes, Murders in Dharmasthala

quick Summary:

• Event: Activists from Mysuru district’s Dalit Sangharsha samithi (DSS) staged a demonstration at Town Hall, Mysuru, near the statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on Tuesday.
• Demand: The DSS called for a high-level inquiry into allegations of rapes and murders reported to have occurred over a decade ago, including reopening cases like the Sowjanya rape and murder case that were previously closed.
• Statements: Choranahalli Shivanna, convenor of DSS, emphasized that framing Santosh Rao in the Sowjanya case highlighted lapses in investigations aimed at shielding influential suspects. He also questioned why no punitive action was taken against investigators or medical professionals involved in alleged mishandlings of these cases.
• Appeal: the activists urged the state government to provide security to complainants and ensure justice for victims’ families while addressing gaps in previous inquiries.

image Description: Activists demonstrating at Town Hall near Dr. B.R Ambedkar’s statue; photo credit M.A Sriram.

Indian Opinion Analysis:
The protest led by DSS underscores growing public demand for accountability in high-profile criminal cases involving marginalized communities and historical injustices against women and children. allegations linking influential individuals to past crimes spotlight broader concerns about systemic issues within law enforcement and judicial practices in India-particularly regarding impartiality amidst political or societal pressures.

Reopening such sensitive cases could be significant as it represents an possibility not only for justice but also for restoring public faith in governance structures tasked with protecting vulnerable groups. However, ensuring complainant safety will be crucial given fears of retaliation or suppression associated with exposing powerful entities.

The government’s response is highly likely pivotal here: whether it opts for autonomous oversight mechanisms versus relying solely on internal investigations may set a precedent reflecting institutional strength-or vulnerability-in addressing claims linked to power imbalances.Read more: Link