Observer The Daily
VOL 13 ISSUE 1
Monday, December 2 , 2013
Prosecutors seek new probe into ‘suicide’.
Hygiene ignored at HIV treatment centre.
Page 3
Page 5
Criminals to get UID numbers.
Page 6
‘I want him to die’ ATM attack survivor Jyothi Udaya’s husband demands capital punishment for the accused. he attacked my wife, it shows that he
and fled with all her valuables, draw-
is a professional. He might have also
ing down the shutter behind him.
done this previously. If he is not
While CCTV footage caught all this
caught, he will continue to commit
Jyothi still remained bleeding and
Apurva Venkat & Nikita Narvekar
crimes. He is a professional criminal
unconscious in the ATM kiosk for
and should be caught.”
over three hours. She was only dis-
e husband of Bangalore ATM
On November 19, Jyothi Udaya, a
covered at 10:30 am when passers-
machete victim Jyothi Udaya wants
44-year-old bank manager, was bru-
by noticed blood near the shutters.
her attacker sentenced to death.
tally attacked in a Corporation Bank
Udaya Kumar added, “I am very
Udaya Kumar, speaking during a
ATM at 7am. An intruder entered
angry. e man has attacked my
visit to his wife at BGS Hospital,
the kiosk and attacked her when she
wife very brutally. e capital pun-
said, “e man should be caught as
had gone to withdraw money for her
ishment should be an eye-opener
soon as possible and given capital
daughter’s birthday party.
and create fear in the minds of those
punishment.”
e man, wielding a gun and a ma-
who think of targeting innocent
He added: “e manner in which
chete, hit her on the head and nose
people. ere are 200 policemen de-
EXCLUSIVE
“
I am fine now and eager to get well and go back home.” -Jyothi Udaya, victim of the November 19 ATM attack
Udaya Kumar, husband of Jyothi Udaya, victim of ATM attack ployed to catch that criminal. ere
going through physiotherapy and
is also a 3lakh reward. But what I
asking about visitors.”
want is not all this. I want him to be
When asked about the incident, he
caught. It has been 14 to 15 days
said, “I have been advised by the
now, why is he not caught yet?”
doctors not to discuss the issue right
On Jyothi’s health he said, “Jyothi
now with Jyothi.”
says she wants to recover fast and get
He added, “Jyothi was working in a
back home as soon as possible. She
morning shi for past three years.
is eager to play with her daughter.
at day, she le as per her usual
Our daughter, Aatmika came to the
routine to go to the office while I le
hospital and met her mother. She
to Mysore. When I reached Mandya
was happy. We have not celebrated
I got a call from a police inspector
Aatmika’s birthday and will celebrate
informing me of the incident.”
once Jyothi is discharged. Jyothi is
Continued on page 4.
2
e Daily Observer
Monday, December 2, 2013
Anganwadi workers speak up for their demands On November 30, 2013, the work-
M. Jayamma, General Secretary, AITUC, at the protest Tulana Nayak
the month.
Working for implementation of
and Child Department, said ad-
ers from all over Karnataka staged
Janakamma said: “ose who
Bhagyalaxmi Scheme (a beneficiary
dressing to the protesters: “I will
a protest in front of the Town hall
have been working since 15 years
scheme to promote the birth of girl
arrange a meeting and very soon
in Bangalore to put forth their de-
and the ones who have joined re-
child) and the Stree Shakti pro-
we will discuss the matter with the
mands. It was organized by the An-
cently get the same salary. People
gramme (a woman empowerment
government.”
ganwadi workers affiliated to All
who have joined long back should
India Trade Union of Congress
get more salary based on their ex-
(AITUC).
perience.”
M. Shivanna, State Secretary of
M. Shivanna said that the workers
AITUC, said that their main con-
and helpers should be covered
cern is that the Anganwadi workers
under the Employee’s State Insur-
should be considered permanent
ance Scheme, a health insurance
Government employees. e work-
scheme under which is the employ-
ers should be designated as Gov-
ees contribute 1.75% from the
ernment’s Grade 3 and the helpers
salary whereas 4.75 % of the salary
as Grade 4 employees.
is added by the employer.
Anganwadi workers from all over Karnataka infront of theTown hall in a protest against the state government, Bangalore
Currently the workers and helpers
He added that the National Pen-
Anganwadi workers of Karnataka
get a salary of Rs 5000 and Rs 2500
sion Scheme (NPS) does not apply
have demanded that they should
a month and they don’t consider it
to people above the age of 55 so
programme to help them finan-
Shivanna said that at the most she
be recognised as permanent em-
sufficient. M. Jayamma, General
they demand that the workers
cially) adds extra work-burden to
can talk to the Chief Minister and
ployees under the state govern-
Secretary, AITUC, said that the
above this age should be paid a
the anganwadi workers and there-
meet some of our demands, if not
ment and should receive benefits
workers should get Rs 15,000 and
lump sum of rupees one lakh and
fore they want these responsibilities
all. “In 2014 elections, the Central
accordingly.
the helpers should receive Rs
the helpers, rupees 50,000.
to be taken away.
Government may look into the
“Our families should have some
10,000.
“Widows should also be covered
Prema leela said that they also
under Sandhya Suraksha Yojana,”
want the “mini anganwadis” to be
On January 29, 2013, AITUC had
said Shivanna.
upgraded and there should be good
organized a bigger rally for the An-
quality uniforms for the workers as
ganwadi protest walking from the
well as the children.
City railway station to Freedom
social security aer our deaths. But
Vani, an Anganwadi worker at
there is no such provision”, said
Bidadi, said that they generally re-
Janakamma, 54, an Anganwadi
ceive salaries very late. So, they now
Demand was also raised for not
worker. Many other workers have
demand that they should get the
deducting the salary on the account
the same complaints.
salary within the first five days of
of medical leave.
Ms. Gurneet, Director of Women
matter.”
Park.
“Raise our salary or reduce the working hours”—Birju Prutha Bhosle & Nibedita Mohanta
hours or increasing the salary and
Leelavati,an Anganwadi helper,
On November 19, Anganwadi
said that since
said, “Children aged between 6
teachers and helpers held a protest
May 2013, the
months to 3 years attend schools.
outside the municipal office de-
working
hours
ese children are fed only once in
manding hike in salary.
were
changed
a day. Due to less nutrition and in-
dren.”
e protest comprised of 2500
from
Anganwadi workers from all over
seven
Karnataka state and was organized by
Anganwadi
ficult to take care
much pressure is added on us.”
Karyakarta Sahayak Sangharash
of our children.
She added, “Most Anganwadi
Samiti.
e non incre-
workers are widows and disowned
Karnataka
three
to
crease in class timings, they begin
hours
to starve which eventually leads to
which made it dif-
a cranky behavior. erefore, too
In May 2013, the Director of
ment of salary
hence it is a challenge to survive on
Child Welfare, Gurnitya Tej, as-
even while in-
such a low salary amount.”
sured these workers Rs. 500 incre-
creasing the work-
ment, says Nirmala Bai (40), a
ing
also
nitya Tej, addressed to these work-
protester from Kolar District.
made life difficult,
ers at Corporation assuring them to
financially.
fulfill all their demands aer con-
Nirmala said, “We have been protesting for a very long time now. We hold such protests every six
Around 2500 Anganwadi workers from around Karnataka gathered in a protest demanding hike in their salary or reduction in the working hours
time
He said, “We deserve to get a hike
Director of Child Welfare, Gur-
sulting with the Chief Minister of the state.
months. e ministers give assur-
ganwadi are paid a monthly salary
Birju Kumar, one of the leaders of
and also a reduction in working
She addressed to these workers in
ances but none are taken seriously.”
of Rs. 5000 and Rs. 2500 respec-
the protest, explained the demand
hours in order to get the best results
the absence of Uma Shree, Minister
tively.
of either reducing the working
out of us for the welfare of the chil-
of Child Development.
e teachers and helpers at An-
e Daily Observer
Monday, December 2, 2013
3
Activist ‘suicide’ case to be re-examined by prosecutors Anannya Sarkar Public prosecutors have asked the courts to re-examine a suicide case aer it emerged the victim’s body bore clear signs of a severe beating. Basappa Mahadevappa, 42, was found dead in a field and police in Raichur closed the case as a suicide, despite the farmer’s face and body bearing all the hallmarks of a severe and sustained beating. ere was also evidence of a long-running feud with a local farmer. One week before Basappa’s death, he was involved in a fight with a local landowner, who had links to the then local MLA. e medical report filed by a local doctor is also under scrutiny aer it noted that there were no bruises or marks on Basappa’s body. Our photographs,
taken
by
Basappa’s
friends, quite clearly show heavy bruising around his mouth, eyes and neck. e medical report, produced by
Basappa’s dead body shows clear signs of injury, in stark contrast to the police report which logged it as a suicide case by poisoning
Dr Hemannur, also records the
e case was soon dismissed as a
cause of death as poisoning. It states
suicide case. Police stated that Bas-
He added that the first complaint
According to volunteers at Ap-
Basappa drank a concoction of fer-
appa had committed suicide be-
forcibly took false statements from
athamitra, the local landowner also
At present, Devamma leads a life
tilizer and alcohol. His wife De-
cause he was depressed about not
Devamma and Basappa’s friend
called them up and openly told
of fear and faces constant threats
vamma claims he was teetotal.
having any children. According to
Gundappa, who was also involved
them that he had paid Rs 2 lakh as
from the man at the centre of the
e farmer was found dead in his
his wife and the local NGO, this is
in one of the land issues.
a bribe to the police due to which
death riddle. She is forced to stay at
field on September 12 last year, less
highly improbable as Basappa was
the case was closed.
home as she is scared for her life,
than a week aer a row with the
open about his identity as a trans-
Karnataka
Minorities
is phone conversation, which
local landowner. Now Karnataka
gender.
manipulated.”
about reopening the case.”
Malappa, an administrator of the Sexual
Forum said, “Basappa called up the
took place in April, was recorded
state prosecutor BK Venkatesh has
Devamma said, “How can my
local project co-ordinator enquir-
and lawyers are hoping to present
asked the courts to re-examine the
husband be depressed about not
ing about the location of a meeting
evidence.
having children when he was a
to be held at 10am on the day of his
His wife Devamma, who has been
transgender and was open about it?
death as he was preparing to leave
pressing for a new inquiry, claims
We had decided to give away our
for that. Later, his body was found
she has been threatened by a group
property to my sister’s children. e
by his wife at around 11am. So I
of people in the village who told her
police say that he died due to intake
wonder how this case can be passed
they would kill her if she continued
of poison mixed in alcohol. How
off as a suicide case.”
her quest for the truth.
can that be possible when he never
Basappa was a resident of Linga-
even touched alcohol?”
this as one of the major evidences in court.
but she is resigned to get justice for Basappa.
In March, 2013, Devamma, along with Puroshottam, BT Venkatesh
sur in Raichur. He was a farmer but
According to Devamma, she was
and a local lawyer Ashiq Ahmed,
also volunteered as a peer educator
forced to sign the statements that
decided to file a case in the High
for the internationally funded Pe-
were recorded by the police on the
Court in order to reopen the case.
hachan Project. He was open about
day of her husband’s death.
Devamma added: “e man Bas-
his identity as a transgender and
Puroshottam, one of the lawyers
appa fought with got drunk once
was married to Devamma, a sex
looking into the case, said, “e po-
and came and told me that he has
worker, for 20 years.
lice dismissed the case as a suicide.
killed my husband but nobody can
Due to his involvement in two
e doctor conducting the post
harm him as he has a lot of power.
local land issues he became entan-
mortem may have given a false re-
He added that I should have known
gled in a feud with wealthy locals.
port. e evidence has been clearly
better than to talk to other lawyers
Basappa’s wife Devamma is calling for a new inquiry
e Daily Observer
Monday, December 2, 2013
4
Inspector defends killer husband, says "I would do the same" Bhavika Bhuwalka
an affair with anyone and was killed
Lokesh switched on the television
A 30-year-old man has been ac-
aer being tortured repeatedly for
at 8 in the morning on the day of
cused of killing his wife aer dis-
money.”
Rajyotsava and slit her throat with
covering that she was having an
Aer carrying out a thorough in-
a knife. “He fled aer committing
vestigation of the couple’s residence
the crime and was absconding for
Lakshmi Javaiah alias Lokesh has
at BM Road, Gandhinagar and talk-
one month.”
been accused of murdering his wife
ing to their neighbours, Naveen
Lokesh was booked under sec-
Shilpa alias Baby, 26, on November
said that Sarojamma had lodged a
tions 302(murder) and 498A of the
1, 2013.
false complaint.
Indian Penal Code. He surrendered
affair with the tenant.
Shilpa’s mother Sarojamma, who
While the police say that the hus-
to the police on December 1, 2013
filed the FIR against Lokesh, said
band is a “good person”, Sarojamma
and is in their custody as of now.
that he used to harass her daughter
still stands by her daughter and
Naveen said, “We have put him in
for dowry. She found the body in
claims that she was innocent and
jail and are waiting for the court to
never believed them. en I saw
e tenant, an auto driver by oc-
the living room on the same day.
was not treated properly by Lokesh.
carry forward with the proceed-
her call records and caught her red
cupation, is missing. e two chil-
She said, “My daughter did not have
She said, “e police are unduly
ings.”
handed two-three times and con-
dren of Lokesh and Shilpa are being
fronted her.”
looked aer by Sarojamma. Aer
favouring the perpetrator.”
Police said that no one was pres-
Sateesh, sub inspector, Ramanagra Police Station, said, “He did not
Naveen Kumar, head constable
ent at the scene when the murder took place.
Lokesh (accused) and Shilpa (victim) at their wedding on April 25, 2008
e sub inspector said that the
absconding for 30 days, Lokesh
crime rate in Ramanagara is not too
came to the police station with his
smoke or drink. He has a lot of
Lokesh, who worked for Toyota,
high as only four to five murder
younger brother Naresh, and con-
property and took good care of his
said: “I have been married for five
cases are registered every year. He
fessed. e knife, with which the
wife. Today if my wife did this to
years. ere was no domestic vio-
also informed that they generally
murder was committed, was found
me even I will lose my cool.”
lence. I used to go for night duty
get non-cognizable offences and
thrown into a lake, one kilometre
Naveen, head constable, Urban
and she cheated on me. Earlier the
small disputes which are tried to be
away from their home.
Police Station, Ramanagra, said that
neighbours told me about her but I
solved verbally.
Two weeks after attack, city ATM guards caught napping
ATM gaurds sleeping on duty at various ATM kiosks Continued from page !...
Even aer the presence of guards being made mandatory, Bangalore ATM’s still remain unsafe.
the ATM security is not our job and hence don't know if they have guards are not."
According to Udaya Kumar, the Home Minister visited Jyothi
Recently, the city police pulled down shutters on 1037
Udaya Kumar, the ATM attack survivor’s husband said,
and offered to help in any way possible. However, we have not
ATM’s aer they failed to meet a November 23 deadline for
“ere should be rigorous police patrolling at all times. An
received any help. He said, “We have not sought any com-
appointing security guards and issued a 45 day deadline to
armed guard should be present 24 hours a day at the kiosk.”
pensation but right now Corporation Bank is looking aer all
enhance security measures and install CCTV cameras. But
Mahisha Devi T.M., an Old Airport Road resident, said, “I
the expenses.”
even the ATM’s that have guards are not secure as they fail to
feel unsafe using ATM’s especially the ones that have multiple
serve their purpose.
kiosks as there is more than one person inside and you do not
Jyothi, who suffered partial paralysis, is now out of the ICU and is recovering fast. Dr Venkataramanaa, chief neurosur-
Recently, the Observer team conducted a check in ATM
know the intentions of the other. e person looks suspicious
geon, BGS hospital said, “She is doing well and we are happy
kiosks across the city only to learn that the machines were ei-
to you and may be looking at your transactions and pin num-
that she is responding to the treatment. Jyothi will recover in
ther unguarded or the guards were fast asleep. e team vis-
ber.”
three months. She needs motivation and courage.”
ited ATM’s in the stretch from J.P. Nagar to Kumbalgodu,
She added, “e kiosks should have an armed security guard
Mysore road and found that only two ATM guards were
as they themselves are not safe at times. Also I don’t know
awake.
how trained the guards are so they should be given good and
Jyothi in a brief appearance to the media thanked her doctors. She said, “I am just waiting to go back home now,’ refusing to comment further.
A spokesman for Banashankari Police said: "Taking care of
ample amount of training.”
WORLD AIDS DAY SPECIAL e Daily Observer
Monday, December 2, 2013
Hygiene ignored at HIV treatment centre Tanisha Das
centers but the condition at the Bowring Hospi-
affected in turn. I call the people in-charge every
Poor hygiene at the HIV therapy centre in the
tal ART centre might be harming the patients.
day, but I am helpless.”
Bowring Hospital has affected patients. e standard hygiene conditions at the Anti Retroviral erapy (ART) Centre in the Bowring Hospital is adversely affecting the patients. Dr. Sunil Kumar of the Karnataka State AIDS Control Department, said, “Hygiene is one of the
Dr. Sunil added, “We start the treatment of the
e Public Works Department and the con-
patient only when the CD4 count, which is the
tractor of the Group-D workers of the hospital
cluster differentiation count, is less than 350.”
are responsible for maintaining cleanliness at the
According to the reports, out of the 2.4 lakh
centre.
5
ts e e tw
#HIV #AIDS UK Prime Minister @Number10gov: PM: #WorldAIDSDay
people registered for HIV in the last year, one
is a hugely important moment. Let
lakh are being treated as of now.
us pledge to fight HIV & AIDS with everything we've got
key things that an HIV patient has to be careful
According to Dr. Sunil, the government pro-
about, and with centers whose conditions are as
vides free medication and free transportation for
bad at the Bowring’s, it will surely ill-affect
the ART treatment but there are no funds for the
them.”
construction of a separate space for ART centres.
Alicia Keys @aliciakeys:
e ART treatment centre at the Bowring Hos-
“e condition at the Bowring hospital is pa-
Millions affected by HIV are
pital has an open drain leaking at its entrance,
thetic. For the last two years we have been trying
counting on OUR generation.
where the patients line up to see the doctor. It
to get a separate wing for the ART centre there.
Let's be brave & bold, and END
was opened in 2004 and is one of the six centers
We are hoping to get it done in the next six
this epidemic! #WorldAIDSDay
in the city and 55 in the state. Four of the ART
months.”
centers are in government hospitals while the
http://ow.ly/rkz3y #WAD13
jian ghomeshi @jianghomeshi:
Dr. Nirmala of the Bowring Hospital said, “e PWD says that it is the responsibility of the con-
Today is #WorldAIDSDay. 35.3
e ART treatment is given free of cost along
tractor and the contractor says that it is the re-
million people worldwide are liv-
with free transportation to reach the respective
sponsibility of the PWD. e patients get
other two are Public Private Properties.
ART Centre at the Bowring Hospital
Nursing students walk to raise AIDS awareness
ing with #HIV. 3.3 million kids. Spread the word/donate
IndyHealth @IndyHealth: World Aids Day 2013: e war on the epidemic is being won, but
role of youngsters has become more
measures.”
important than ever. “Children
Monisha, 20, another student,
should not only educate their un-
said that people look down on the
aware parents about the issue but
explicit nature of the campaign be-
also hold regular debates in schools
cause they are unaware of the issue.
and should participate in essay
Justin Kurianpaulosu, 27, lecturer
competitions regarding the topic,”
in St. John’s Institute of Nursing,
she said.
said the local hospitals across the
Pawin, 18, a student participating
city are still prone to HIV virus. “In
in the rally said, “Without aware-
local hospitals people do not know
Rally by St. John’s Institute of Nursing students on AIDS day. Rahul Sadhu dents and teachers alike. & Saikat Ghosh ‘’Almost 35 million people in the
ness it is almost impossible to stop
how an HIV virus may transmit,
AIDS, even today many do not how
aer this rally we are also going to
it spreads. It mainly happens due to
visit a nearby HIV centre,” he said.
St. John’s Institute of Nursing took
nation suffer from AIDS,” said Dr.
lack of knowledge and proper safety
out a rally today to observe the
Naveen,27, a lecturer in St. John’s
25th World AIDS day which falls
Institute of Nursing.
on December 1 every year. e rally included students and
same institute, feels that the rally’s message is not only for the well-ed-
School of Nursing and Basavaraj
ucated urban class but also for the
Swami School of Nursing.
general masses. She said, ‘’our slo-
It commenced from the Pap-
gans and messages are written in
pareddypalya BMTC bus stop and
Kannada too, so that there is no
went through Ambedkar Circle
language barrier.”
where a street play was performed
She added, “Creating awareness is
to create awareness among the peo-
our responsibility more than a so-
ple about AIDS. e rally was re-
cial work, it must be appreciated.”
plete with the slogans of “fight
Dakshayani Ravi, 54, Principal, St.
against AIDS” shouted by the stu-
John’s High School, said that the
still rife http://ind.pn/IB94Y6
Some Facts: Around the world 35,000,000+ people are living with HIV/AIDS 2,000,000+ youth living with HIV
Uma Herbert, 45, a teacher at the
teachers from Akka Mahadevi
discrimination against sufferers is
1 in 4 infections occur between the age of 13 to 24 Gays and bisexual men account for 63% of new HIV infections annually Nursing students create awarness of AIDS on World AIDS Day
e Daily Observer
Monday, December 2, 2013
Criminals to have Unique Identification Number Ishan Bhattacharya
is would help trials get over
he said that it is absolutely accurate
Criminals are to be given unique
faster. In India, 20 per cent of the
as they get it from police stations,
ID numbers in a bid to control
population are criminals so it is im-
but he mentioned that they do not
crime in the city.
portant for us to come up with such
verify the data they receive since
technology.”
the information is first hand.
Speaking about Bangalore Police’s new technology which they are
National Crime Records Bureau
Data received from the SCRB on
planning to introduce to fight
cases related to unnatural deaths re-
crime, Superintendent of Police,
vealed that under the ‘death due to
Shivamurthy, who heads the State
suicide’ category, there were people
Crime Records Bureau (SCRB),
whose ages were listed as zero, but
said: “e police are doing their
he refused to comment on it saying
best, they get proper instructions
that their information is based on
from the Commissioner of Police.
what police say.
6
Celebrating the United Nations' 16 day campaign from November 25 to December 10 which aims to fightviolence against women, e Daily Observer brings you the stories of the survivors and healers associated with this gender-based struggle that is still rampant.
Tortured for dowry, woman flees with baby Sneha Bengani
before I filed the FIR. We do
e mother of a one-year-old
not file a First Information Re-
Now we are thinking of introducing
In the backdrop of the recent bru-
girl walked out of her mar-
port directly. It took two
a biometric system for criminals. It
tal attack on a woman in an ATM,
riage aer being physically
months for me to try settling
will be quite similar to an Aadhaar
he said: “e banks should provide
and mentally abused repeat-
the matter between the hus-
Card. We want to get the criminals
proper security at the ATMs. ey
edly by her husband and in-
band and wife but to no avail.
to come under the purview of Aad-
should insert concealed cameras in-
laws.
e woman was adamant on
haar Card since most of them do
Shivamurthy, SP, State CRB
side or outside the ATMs so that we
Mala, 26, married Jagat, 30,
reporting the case," said the po-
not have proper residential proofs.”
revealed that Bangalore is the sec-
catch hold of the criminals easily.
on July, 24, 2011. Her family
He said, “We would provide the
ond most crime prone city in India.
e cameras inside the ATMs are
had given Jagat 66 gm of gold
Mala is hurt by the way the
criminals with a Unique Identifica-
Shivamurthy said: “It is mainly
some way or the other damaged by
and cash worth Rs. 1.5 lakh at
Ramanagara police dealt with
tion Number, with the help of
because of migrants from other
them and as a result it becomes dif-
the time of their wedding.
her case. She decided to speak
which we would easily trace them,
cities that crime in Bangalore is in-
ficult for the police to reach them.”
Naveen, police constable at
up when she thought she could
even if the criminal moves out of
creasing. So many people from
Highlighting his department’s ef-
Ramanagara Police Station,
not let her in-laws oppress her
India. Our servers will be able to
other cities come here every year
ficiency, he said that regular check-
said, "Her husband started tor-
any longer and was looking for
identify their finger prints quite
and they are indulging in all sorts
ing is done on their employees and
turing her for more money a
justice from the cops but "what
easily and with the help of the
of criminal activities to survive.”
their efficiency is also analyzed on
month aer their wedding."
happened was totally different."
lice official.
On November 1, 2013, Mala
"I went to the police station
of the data provided by the SCRB,
filed a complaint against seven
four times before November 1.
Fifteen-year-old rescued from forced child marriage
members of Jagat's family - his
None of the policemen listened
mother, two brothers, two sis-
to me. ey refused to file a
ters and one of the brothers’
FIR. It was only when I kept
Ramanagar aer they received this
fieen-year-old
a
wife. Subsequently, a FIR was
coming repeatedly that they fi-
information.
unique number, the entire history
While speaking on the accuracy
of the criminal will be in our hands.
Sneha Ghosh
a daily basis.
married
to
twenty-eight year-old man that she
registered under sections 498
nally listened to what I had to
Efforts to get a minor girl married
On November 28, an official com-
let us in and agreed to listen to us.
(A), 504 R/W 34, 3 and 4
say," she said.
failed aer the intervention of the
plaint was lodged at the offices of
She was more interested in finding
Dowry Prevention Act of the
Child Development Protection
District Child Protection Unit
out how we had received the infor-
Indian Penal Code. "She re-
ese people have their own
Unit in Ramnagara district.
(DCPU) and Child Development
mation than in listening to what we
ported physical and mental tor-
notions about everything. e
Protection Office (CDPO) to stop
had to say.” said Shakuntala.
ture. ey did not give her food
concerned police official spoke
to eat," said Naveen.
without understanding the sit-
this marriage that was allegedly going to take place soon.
Shankuntala, CDPO Rasheeda
Banu
and
Syed
She added, “We did not get to
"Counseling
is
different.
meet the child despite repeatedly
A native of Mysore, Mala
uation. Not once did he ask me
Following the complaint, Shakun-
requesting her to let us talk to her.
works as a temporary nurse in
what I was going through or
tala M, Supervisor at Child Devel-
But we told her that her and her
a government hospital. Aer
what I wanted. He kept insist-
opment Protection Office and,
husband’s attempts could lead them
having le her husband's house
ing that it was a misunder-
Outreach workers Nagendra H and
to getting imprisoned for two years
in Chamundeshwari Extension,
standing and I should not come
Chittayamma MG at the District
and make them pay a fine of one
she now lives in a rented house
to the police station again."
Child Protection Unit visited the
lakh.”
in
house of Rasheeda Banu.
“Such incidents are common in
Ramanagara
with
her
friends.
Jagat has got bail and is out of custody until the police files a
Babu,residents of Yarabnagar,2nd
“Initially she refused to speak to
Ramangara. People here get their
"Jagat was sent to jail for 14
charge sheet and the case ap-
block, arranged to get their fieen-
us. She even tried to close the door
girl children married at a very early
days aer he confessed his
pears in front of the court. Mala
year-old daughter, Bibi Ayesha
on our face when we said that we
age. ey don’t even get to finish
crime at Ramanagara local
needs to work and so cannot
married to Saleem, a twenty-eight-
we were from the Child Develop-
their education,” said Radha, Child
court on November 2, 2013,"
not live with her one-year-old
year-old man based in Bangalore.
ment Protection Office”, said Na-
development Protection Officer.
said the police constable.
daughter. She, therefore, has
Neighbors and locals of the area in-
gendra H.
formed the Deputy Director of
“It was only aer we told her she
Women and Child Department,
could be jailed for trying to get her
In 2013 itself, 31 cases of child
"Both the families were coun-
sent her baby to her mother
marriage have been reported in the
seled for more than 10 times
who she visits every weekend.
Ramnagara district.
e Daily Observer
Monday, December 2, 2013
Light in the lives of disabled
7
Banging the drum for land rights
KBSS protest in front of muncipal corporation in Bommanahalli for building apartments by influenTulana Nayak & Vaishnavi J.Desai tial politicians and now they are le On the occasion of World Disabled Day the Breakthrough group organized a learning program.
with no land to bury bodies. ey suspect that BBMP officials are also
ment of fun for the differ-
are orphans and some of them are
Bahujana
ently abled children. A few
run away cases. We as a team which
(KBSS)gathered in front of the
years ago a child who had
includes four nurses and physio-
city municipal corporation to
He also said that the funds re-
never spoken from a special
therapists as well, help them in get-
protest for not being provided
leased for Madivala Market renova-
school, spoke his first word
ting trained both physically and
with rightful authority of their
tion were not used appropriately
during one of our activities.
mentally. Currently we have 89
lands and other basic amenities.
which is why the traders are having
We hope that we have made
boys in our home.”
that difference to the chil-
Sangharsha
Samiti
e crowd comprised mostly of
involved.
a tough time.
Preethi, teacher of Asha Kiran
women who shouted out slogans
People from the community of
School said: “We started a disabled
against the Bruhat Bangalore Ma-
Kolebasava have not been provided
When asked about how he
school in 1983 with the strength of
hanagara Palike (BBMP). ey
with houses and basic amenities.
came up with this idea of
three people. Now the number has
protested against BBMP officers by
V. Dhanapala, member of KBSS,
organizing such events for
increased to 105, we train them in
beating drums violently and voic-
said: “Last week there was an out-
disabled people he said, “I
different skills like making arts with
ing their demands.
break of diseases including Chick-
dren who came.”
Raju Peethala & Prutha Bhosle
Members from the Karnataka
have travelled a lot in my
papers and we teach mathematics
Around 20 police officers, includ-
engunya because of the garbage
life and once when I was in
which helps them increase in the
ing four females, were deployed to
accumulated in that area. No one
manage the crowd.
from the BBMP turned up for any
U.S.A. I came up with this
strength of their mental ability. We
“Breakthrough” organized an ex-
idea of contributing some part of
have 30 teachers and 10 non teach-
Rajashekhar Sharma, 35, a mem-
periential learning program for
my life to disabled people. It has
ing staff which helps us in main-
ber of KBSS said: “BBMP was given
Certain areas in Chenna Keshava
differently abled children on the
been a successful journey till now.”
taining the organization in a
the responsibility to rehabilitate
Nagar and areas near Parappana
progressive way.”
people from Puttenahalli to Be-
Agrahara’s Cental Jail lack basic amenities like drinking water.
occasion of World Disabled Day.
The four NGOS who had taken
health check up.
More than 100 disabled children
part in this event are U&I, Rakum,
Blessy Samuel, Volunteer for
tadasanapura. e demand is to
from different organizations had
Provision and Asha Kiran. All the
Breakthrough, “I have been work-
clean the area and shi us as soon
500 to 600 houses in Begur, South
taken part in this event. The pro-
four NGOS work for the better-
ing for Breakthrough along with
as possible and to give us the docu-
Bangalore, do not have documents.
gram was based on the theme by
ment of disabled children in the
my husband from the past 6
ments of our lands.”
ey are demanding that BBMP
the UN for World Disability Day,
city. Sudeeptha GV, manager of vol-
months and I always had love for
“Breaking barriers, open doors: for
unteering for U&I, said: “I have
the work I’m involved in.”
an inclusive society and develop-
been working for Disabled children
Bhavya, 24, a partially blind stu-
ment for all.”
from the past four years and I have
dent from Rakum, said: “It was a
The guest of honor was Indar, a
never regretted for taking such de-
wonderful experience to take part
champion who worked through his
cision in my life. We train the chil-
in this event. We get to play many
disability, of being Spastic, breaking
dren to be more sensible and we
games and we also learn how to
barriers to have a job supporting
organize game sessions once in a
compete with different people in
him and his family. “It has been a
week which makes them help in
this competitive world.”
great experience to be a part of this
being motivated to face any kind of
Joshua, 7, a student of Mithra spe-
event”, said Indar.
challenges in their forthcoming
cial school, said: “Playing is some-
life.”
thing which I love from childhood
Robin Paul, CEO and founder of Breakthrough said, “Today on the
When asked about where do all
eve of World Disability Day, Break-
the children come from, he said:
through is happy to create environ-
“Most of the children we get to see
e members claim that the land near Hongasandhra and Bande-
should look into the matter and hand over the documents.
palya’s burial grounds is being used
and I came to meet children from different organizations.”
KBSS members get on the streets to protest against BBMP
Monday, December 2, 2013
e Daily Observer
Bangalore welcomes its sister city Sneha Mejari & Shweta Nair A memorandum of understanding between India and China was celebrated with Chinese delegates officially promoting Chengdu as the sister city of Bangalore.
Events eatre
gap in understanding and friendship between Chengdu and Bangalore and to display and explore opportunities in IT, tourism, business, culture and education. We met the mayor of Bangalore and exchanged constructive views
Chengdu, which is known for its rich culture is also home to a lot of Panda Bears On October 23, a sister city agreement was signed between the two neighboring countries in the presence of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing. e agreement aimed at bringing the two countries closer and promoting better international relations. Zhong Laizhao, Deputy Director, Chengdu Foreign Affairs said: “We came to bridge the
8
on how to strengthen beneficial co-operation in fields of IT, outsourcing and trade.” Situated in southwest China, Chengdu is the capital of the Sichuan province and is claimed to be the fastest growing city. According to United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Chengdu is the first city in Asia to be named as ‘paradise of delicacies’ which is famous for its hot and spicy Sichuan
cuisine. Mr. Yuan Xu, Deputy Secretary General, Chengdu said: “Our city is historically and culturally renowned, where tradition integrates with modernity and vitality. It is home to giant pandas and is the birth place of Sichuan cuisine. “Chengdu has also been awarded numerous awards including China’s best tourism destination. It is also a very important base for the world’s electronic information industry and we are glad to have the Silicon Valley of India as our sister city. is will enhance better relations between both the nations.” e India – China Friendship Association (ICFA) have maintained relations with China since 1950, when Govinda Reddy led the first delegation to China. V. Bhaskaran, General Secretary ICFA, said: “Despite vested interests that do not want both India and China coming together, our relationship has only strengthened. But there were not enough representatives from the BBMP because of the Belgaum legislative session. He added: “Being a part of the BBMP, the officials should have been present for this celebration and it is regret that they were absent for this occasion.”
‘Blink’, a play by Bruntwood. Playwriting prize winner Phil Porter. Directed by Joe Murphy. e play is a dark, funny love story. When- December 3-7, 2013 Where- Jagriti eatre, Whitefield Time- 8pm onwards
Art
An exhibition featuring the works of Naina Kanodia, Basant Peringod
“ Mo d i a n d R a h u l a re g o o d a c t o r s”
and Amitava Sengupta.
Chitharth Mathivanan
Where- Veda Art Gallery, Kumara
When- Till December 3, 2013
velopment rate of our party is good in Kar-
Park
“Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi are very
nataka. So far, we have around 50, 000 registered
Time- 11am - 6pm
good actors, they are fighting each other for
members. Out of 30 districts, we have our organ-
the post of the Prime Minister.” said AAP’s
ization set up in 25 districts.”
Food
Sidharth added that their primary agenda was
State Convener, Mr.Sidharth. While speaking exclusively to e Daily Ob-
to de-centralize power. “Power should be
server, he said, “Modi and Rahul are very good
brought down to the ward level including rev-
actors, they can’t be our future prime minister.”
enue generation. Our other agendas are Jan Lok-
Aam Aadmi Party is quite popular among the
pal Bill, Right to Reject and Right to Recall.”
educated population of India. When asked about
Sidharth, AAP’s State Convener
the reception among the public, he said: “AAP is
ask people to elect us, instead we give them
sues which they think ruins the society. ey are
According to Sidharth, AAP has four major is-
not a cadre based party. Our cadres are volun-
power, we pick candidates among them, from
security, justice, corruption and looting of public
teers and the party will not support them eco-
the grass root level. e common man recog-
resources.
nomically. Our cadres earn for their survival and
nizes our idea and that is what we want. e na-
Commenting on opinion polls in India, Sid-
An oriental food festival offering
volunteer for party work. So the numbers will
tion has witnessed the citizen’s up rise during
harth said, “We are for the opinion polls but the
nutritious, aromatic and rich deli-
not be great.”
Anna Hazare’s movement for Jan Lokpal. People
methodology followed must be made public
cacies. e dinner buffet starts from
need a change and we are giving them a channel
where people could challenge them if they find
Rs. 450 inclusive of taxes.
for the change.”
it wrong. Opinion polls influence people a lot so
When- Till December 8, 2013
the system of survey must be made public.”
Where- Keys Hotel, Hosur Road
According to preliminary reports, the AAP is set to play a major role in the upcoming assembly elections in Delhi. “e name AAP is not important. We do not
When asked about AAP’s role in Karnataka, he said, “AAP is the youngest party in India. e de-
Observer Team: Editor - Pranay Lakshminarasimhan Chief Sub Editor - Apurva Venkat News Editors - Ishan Bhattacharya, Mayuri J Ravi, Gaurav Kumar, Bhaskar Dutta, Anannya Sarkar, Karishma Ravindran Sub Editors - Nikita Narvekar, Aurosmita Acharya, Anagha Sawant, Neha Singh Picture Editors/ Deisgn - Anand Jain, Nibedita Mohanta, Chitharth Mathivanan and Proof Reader - Bhavika Bhuvalka Email- editor@iijnm.org An IIJNM Publication (For Private Circulation)