Chikkamangaluru, Jul 28: Dozens of tribal families that had settled in Bale village of NR Pura taluk in Chikkamangaluru district have all of a sudden vacated their hamlet and migrated to various places sparking various speculations.
Though it is not sure whether the sudden migration of over 50 families has any connection with the Friday’s lunar eclipse, multiple sources confirmed that they had just followed the advice of a local astrologer.
According to local authorities, the astrologer had warned the families that a black magic practitioner had cast a spell on the village, resulting in several deaths among tribal families.
M R Vasant Kumar, president, Bale gram panchayat, confirmed that families of the Havugolla tribe had moved out. He said “everything was fine until Thursday”, and that the migration was sudden.
Two youngsters from the community — Ganesh, 24, and Suresh, 26 — died on July 7 and July 21, respectively, triggering fear. The families believe they died suddenly with no serious prior health problems. Following this, some tribals visited temples at Balehonnur, Karkeshwara, Mangaluru and other places. K D Xavier, a member of Nagalapur GP, said: “The deaths must have occurred for some reason. They hardly consult a doctor for any health problem.”
The astrologer had allegedly warned the families that if they did not move out within the next three days, more people of their tribe would die. The astrologer claimed that the spell was cast by a practitioner from Kerala.
“Chowdamma and Maramma are our deities. When we wanted to know the reason for the deaths, the deities, through the priests who invoke them, told us the problem was with the place. We were told we should leave the place immediately, otherwise three more would die during the lunar eclipse. That is why we all left in a hurry on Thursday,” said Purushottam, 27, who is now at his relative’s place at Hosanagar in Shivamogga district.
The Havugolla families, known for capturing snakes, keep moving from one place to another. When they came to Bale village about 15 years ago, they put up their tents on a vacant plot, which happened to be a forest land. As the years passed, the younger generation gave up capturing snakes and became agricultural labourers and small-time traders. “We also supported their fight for suitable land and housing,” said Vasant Kumar, president of Nagalapur GP.
Members of Bale and Nagalapur gram panchayats tried in vain to convince them not to leave. “When we asked where they were going to stay, they said they would settle down near Koppa. They have abandoned their cattle too. Gram panchayat members are taking care of them,” villagers said.
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