Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (DV)
Mangalore, Jul 17: The mysterious death of 17-year-old Ratna Kottary near Byndoor in Kundapur taluk, Udupi a few days ago evoked sharp protest from students in the city here on Thursday July 17.
Ratna Kottary was found dead in a forest area at Alandoor near Byndoor on July 12, three days after she went missing. It was suspected to be rape and murder case, but the police are yet to achieve any breakthrough, and even the forensic report is still awaited.
On July 17, hundreds of students from various colleges led by All College Students' Union gathered near the Gandhi statue in front MCC building at Lalbagh, and vociferously demanded a fair and speedy probe into the case and arrest of the culprits without delay.
Addressing the protest, Dinakar Shetty, president of the Union said, "Cases of rape are increasing rampantly of late. What is the police department doing? The police have failed to properly investigate the death of Ratna. Though protests against rape are increasing across the country, there is no decrease in such incidents."
He further added, "We still do not know the status of the investigation into Sowjanya rape and murder case. The police also failed to arrest the culprits in Akshata's case. Now, in one more such case, Ratna has died under mysterious circumstances, and police have yet again failed to make any arrests.
"Parents fear to send their daughters to college these days. There is not enough security for women. The administration has failed to ensure their safety," he added.
"Drug mafia is the main reason for the increase in sexual assault in the district. The police should take long-term measures to root out the drug mafia completely," he said.
"The Bangalore rape case is also an example of the failure of the state government. In Dakshina Kannada, we have seen so many cases of sexual assault but no one is ever convicted. Ratna's case should be tried in a fast track court and justice should be done without any delay," he added.
"The government is ready to give compensation to Naxals but these girls were not Naxals. The government must compensate the families of the victims adequately," Dinakar said.
Taking a dig at the police for failing to make any headway into Ratna's case, he said, "Tomorrow the police may even say she was killed by an animal attack. It is important that there is a free and fair investigation into this case.
"Sexual assaults against children are also increasing. The government should work with the NGOs to curb such incidents," he added.
The protestors lit candles also offered silent prayers for Ratna Kottary.