Woman, part of liquor ban march, dies in road mishap

A 60-year-old woman who was part of a march for seeking a ban on liquor was killed after a speeding vehicle knocked her down near Kuluvanahalli in Nelamangala on Sunday.

The victim, Renukamma, was a resident of Lingasugur in Raichur district and was a daily-wage labourer.

She joined the march organised by 'Madhya Nishedha Andolana' where over 2000 women set off by foot from Chitradurga to Vidhana Soudha.

The police said all protesters decided to stay back at Kuluvanahalli for the night. Renukamma was trying to cross the road to buy something when a motorist, Hensor Jose (23), a student from a city-based college, hit her. Renukamma suffered severe head injuries and was rushed to a hospital, but she succumbed later.

The police rushed to the spot, arrested Jose and seized his bike. An investigation revealed that Jose was returning from Hampi along with his friend. Hundreds of protesters gathered near the hospital where Renukamma was admitted.

Ravi Krishna Reddy, who is part of the protest march, said the police did not provide any security to avoid such incidents while they were walking along the national highway.