NHRC takes cognizance of mass suicide by a family in Karnataka
The National Human Rights Commission has asked its Special Rapporteur, Shri K.R. Venugopal to hold an on the spot enquiry into mass suicide committed by a family in Koppal District, Karnataka. This decision was taken at a recent meeting of the Full Commission in response to a joint complaint from Shri Kodanda Ramaiah, a former Member of Parliament, and a number of others.
In their complaint, the petitioners pointed out that Karnataka was facing drought for the third year in succession due to failure of monsoons. Though there were reports that about 150 farmers committed suicides every year in the last three years following their inability to repay the loans and interest, they alleged that the State Government had not waived the interest or postponed the recoveries.
The petitioners highlighted a typical case of mass suicide due to poverty that took place on July 31, 2003 in Makta Rampura Village, Kushtagi Taluk, Koppal District. The family consisted of the father, mother, four sons and four daughters.
They requested the Commission to conduct a detailed inquiry by deputing its own staff to find out the truth about the tragic end of innocent persons with a view to ensuring that remaining three members of the family get suitable relief and the State Government takes steps to prevent loss of human lives.
The Commission has indicated a period of four weeks for the Special Rapporteur to furnish his report.
In their complaint, the petitioners pointed out that Karnataka was facing drought for the third year in succession due to failure of monsoons. Though there were reports that about 150 farmers committed suicides every year in the last three years following their inability to repay the loans and interest, they alleged that the State Government had not waived the interest or postponed the recoveries.
The petitioners highlighted a typical case of mass suicide due to poverty that took place on July 31, 2003 in Makta Rampura Village, Kushtagi Taluk, Koppal District. The family consisted of the father, mother, four sons and four daughters.
They requested the Commission to conduct a detailed inquiry by deputing its own staff to find out the truth about the tragic end of innocent persons with a view to ensuring that remaining three members of the family get suitable relief and the State Government takes steps to prevent loss of human lives.
The Commission has indicated a period of four weeks for the Special Rapporteur to furnish his report.