Dalits allege misappropriation of housing scheme funds, police negligence

Mangaluru, Feb 3: A Dalit leader alleged misappropriation of funds meant for Dalits under Rural Ashraya and Indira Awas Yojana housing schemes, to the tune of Rs 37 lakhs by a few persons by forging fake documents of actual beneficiaries and availing the funds in Sullia taluk.

Speaking at the SC/ST monthly grievance meeting at the office of Superintendent of Police here on Tuesday, Dalit leader S P Anand said that few persons had been cheating poor Dalit families in Markanje gram panchayat limits in Sullia taluk, beneficiaries under housing schemes for 2005-06, by assuring to avail them funds to construct their homes.

Shivaram Gowda, Premsingh Naik and Keshava, residents of the same village, had forged documents of as many as 32 beneficiaries belonging to the SC/ST community and cheated them of the funds meant for the construction of their houses. Usurping the funds meant for the beneficiaries, the three above mentioned persons have cheated the 32 beneficiaries of the total amount of Rs 37 lakh, he said, urging action against the three accused.

Dakshina Kannada Superintendent of Police S D Sharanappa said that an investigation would be conducted in this regard and the police department would take action against the accused as per law.

Mr Anand also brought to notice of the SP that the concerned police officials had neglected to register a case in connection with a forced entry and attempted assault by two persons on a Dalit woman living in Sampaje village in Sullia taluk, and had disregarded the complaint.

Mr Sharanappa directed the concerned circle inspector to register a case and take necessary action in this regard.

In the meeting, Dalit leaders also raised the issue of the recent communal clashes that took place in Uppinangady and other places in Puttur taluk, and demanded to know what action had been taken against Hindutva activists who had sparked rioting in those places.

They grieved that Dalit families had also been affected by the rioting and demanded strict action against the culprits.

Another Dalit representative brought to the fore the illegal business of stealing pillars supporting overhead telephone cables and selling them for a huge price in Punjalkatte police station limits. The police have so far taken no action against the accused Satish Moolya in connection with this, he said, demanding immediate action.