JOIN USSHRC blames Beggars' Colony staff for deaths
In its preliminary investigation report, the SHRC has named Chairman of the Central Relief Committee C N Manjegowda (since removed from the post); Secretary Krishnegowda (suspended); Superintendent Laxminarasimhaiah (suspended); Medical Officer Dr Hari Murthy (at Beggars Colony); Receiving Officer D Bhagyalakshmi (suspended); Chief Warden M Mahadevaiah (now posted to Chitradurga) and Head Warden Hanumantharayappa (at Beggars Colony) as being responsible for the deplorable state of affairs at the Beggars’ Colony.
No records
The report finds fault with the Rehabilitation Centre for not maintaining records of the beggars arriving there.
“The detention orders of the inmates have been passed in a routine manner by the jurisdictional taluk executive magistrate of Bangalore North, without cross-checking the details,” the report states.
The report says that the ill, mentally-challenged and infected were not segregated and this resulted in the spread of diseases. The signs of deteriorating health of the inmates were though visible on August 15, medical assistance was provided only two days later, on August 17.
Timely medical intervention could have prevented large scale deaths, according to the report. The Commission has recommended the Rehabilitation Centre to upload details of its inmates, administration, functioning, on its website for use by all stakeholders. It also recommended admission of only beggars and not any others.
Standing committee
A standing committee constituting all agencies - BBMP, BWSSB, BDA, health and medical services - involved in the functioning of the Centre has also been suggested.