Dalit youths tortured, bludgeoned to death in Tumakuru

Police have reportedly arrested 12 persons for allegedly torturing and murdering two Dalit youths at Peddanahalli village in Tumakuru district here.

The deceased identified as Girish Mudalagiriappa (30) of Tumakuru and Girish (32) of Manchaladore village were said to be involved in theft cases.

The deformed body of Girish Mudalagiriappa was found on a farm while that of Girish was found in a pond.

The incident took place on Thursday night, when most villagers were celebrating a local temple festival. At this time, Nandish, a prime accused in the case had visited the victim’s residence and persuaded them to come with him to the farm where the other assailants were waiting for them.

As per a TNIE report, the accused initially burnt the legs of the Dalit youths making it difficult for them to flee and then brutally assaulted them with clubs. While Girish Mudalagiriappa died on the spot, the other youth tried to escape but was caught and bludgeoned to death. His body was shoved into the pond later.

Police said that an investigation is ongoing to ascertain the cause for the murder.

Meanwhile Dalit organistaions while condemning the brutal murders urged police to take stringent action against the accused.

“My heart wrenches to see the death of 2 Dalits in Tumkur. The atrocities on the marginalized sections continues under @BJP4Karnataka govt. I urge @CMofKarnataka @BSBommai to arrest the culprits at the earliest,” tweeted former chief minister and senior Congress politician Siddaramaiah.

“My deepest condolences to the family members of the deceased. The death of Dalits in Tumkur reflects the apathy of BJP towards Dalits, and failure to maintain Law & Order under @BJP4Karnataka govt. Home Minister @JnanendraAraga is unfit to continue & should resign immediately. Govt should immediately announce compensation to the victims,” he urged.