The chairperson of the Karnataka State Human Rights Commission (KSHRC), T Sham Bhat, conducted a visit to Inam Veerapur village in Dharwad district on the morning of Tuesday, January 6. The purpose of the visit was to personally assess the ground situation concerning the alleged atrocities and murder targeting a Dalit family.
On-Ground Inspection and Directives
During his visit, Bhat inspected key locations, including the residential area of Dalit families, the house of the victim, Vivekananda, and the specific spot where the assault and murder are reported to have occurred. He gathered comprehensive information from local residents, police officials, and other concerned persons to understand the full scope of the incident.
Emphasising that the case is being treated with the utmost seriousness, Bhat issued necessary directions to the concerned authorities. He stated that the Commission would recommend to the government and officials to initiate stringent legal action against the culprits. He underscored the collective responsibility to strengthen equality, social harmony, and humanitarian values in society.
Administrative Measures Ordered
Bhat directed multiple departments—including the district administration, zilla panchayat, police, and social welfare department—to jointly organise widespread awareness programmes across the district. He asserted that human rights violations would not be tolerated and that maintaining peace and communal harmony is every citizen's duty.
His specific instructions included:
- Providing adequate security to the affected Dalit families.
- Ensuring the family receives benefits from various government welfare schemes.
- Conducting a transparent and impartial investigation.
- Organising continued peace meetings in villages to dispel fear and build trust.
- Expediting measures for psychological support, legal assistance, and appropriate compensation.
Fast-Track Court and Compensation Proposal
Speaking during the visit, Deputy Commissioner Divya Prabhu revealed that the district administration has already submitted a proposal to the government. This proposal seeks:
- The establishment of a fast-track court for the Inam Veerapur case.
- The appointment of a special public prosecutor for the victim's family.
- The provision of special compensation to the affected family.
She detailed the steps taken by the administration to restore normalcy and peace in the village.
Post-Visit Review Meeting
After his field assessment, Bhat held a meeting with senior officials from various departments at the Dharwad Deputy Commissioner's office. Addressing the gathering, he stressed that complete security assurance must be given to the affected family. He called for recreating an environment of mutual trust and harmony in the village, as existed before the incident.
Bhat instructed officials to ensure no atmosphere of fear persists among villagers or the accused family and to take preventive measures so that no individual's human rights are violated. He noted that the investigation has been transferred to the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement (DCRE) and directed the police department to extend full cooperation to the ongoing probe.
