60 nomadic families desert village in N R Pura taluk

Nomadic tribes, who were residing in Seeguvani Circle in Bale Gram Panchayat for the last 15 years, deserted the village fearing a superstitious belief, on Thursday.

The members of Havugolla, Hakki Pikki community were residing in B H Kaimara in the taluk. Later, they were shifted to Seeguvani Circle in Bale Gram Panchayat and were living in tents.

The nomad families were also given ration cards, Aadhaar cards, LPG connections and community toilets by the government.

The untimely death of youths in the community has created apprehensions among the members.

On Thursday evening, more than 60 families left their tents and started to leave the village.

Nomadic family members Venkatesh and Nagaraj said, “The authorities allowed us to reside in Seeguvani Circle. We have been residing here for the last four years. However, a total of 25 members of the community died in the last four years. Even on July 15, one Suresh (25) and Ganesh (24) died. The astrologer had informed of black magic on us and even warned of two more deaths in the community. Hence, we decided to shift to Koppa, Narve and other areas.”

Former ZP member P J Antony said, “There is malnutrition among the community members. They do not have a full-fledged house to live in. They might have died due to lack of awareness on health or sanitation.”

It is said that the families have put up their tents in Koppa, Narve, Jayapura, Bejjuvalli in Theerthahalli.

MLA T D Raje Gowda said, “The nomadic tribes have been demanding Ashraya houses for the last 15 years. However, the authorities failed to provide Ashraya houses. I will try to hold a discussion with them and efforts will be made to provide facilities to them if the government land is made available.”

Taluk Panchayat EO said, “As it was a forest land, we could not issue title deeds to the community members. However, all other basic facilities, including drinking water was given to them. Even a temple was constructed. Owing to superstitious beliefs, they have deserted the village without intimating anyone.”

As many as 11 children from the community were pursuing their studies at Hosakere Government School and remained absent from Thursday afternoon. Officials have been directed to enrol the children to a school in the new area, said BEO P Nagaraj.

Community members Ramesh and Susheela said, “At any cost, we will not return. The government has failed to construct houses for us.”