Bengaluru: A delegation comprising influential women’s rights activists, writers, and social leaders has formally submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The memorandum strongly urges the government to accelerate the implementation of the Ugrappa Committee report and to ensure justice for victims of sexual assault and murder in the Dharmasthala case. This plea comes at a crucial time when a Special Investigation Team, established by the Karnataka government, is actively investigating allegations of women’s disappearances in Dharmasthala.
The delegation, part of the “Who Are the Culprits?” movement initiated in August, expressed commendation for the government’s proactive approach in reviving and implementing the Ugrappa Committee’s recommendations, which are designed to prevent violence against women. The Chief Minister’s Office released a copy of the memorandum to the media on Tuesday.
The Ugrappa Committee report, officially recognized as the Karnataka State Police Reforms Committee Report, was compiled under the leadership of former MP V.S. Ugrappa. This committee was formed to meticulously examine complaints related to custodial deaths, instances of police brutality, and any lapses in upholding human rights standards within the Karnataka Police Department. The report, submitted in 2019, detailed significant irregularities in police operations, including illegal detentions, custodial torture, and corruption, and proposed recommendations for enhanced accountability, transparency, and adherence to the rule of law.
The activists also expressed approval of the formation of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) tasked with probing long-standing allegations of atrocities and murders of women in the Dharmasthala region. They stated, “The unconstitutional and unethical practices that have historically impeded justice for women are now being addressed through structural reform. The implementation of the Ugrappa report marks a significant step towards a sustained response to violence against women.” They emphasized the critical need for justice for families who have been fighting for decades.
Key demands from the activists included ensuring the SIT operates independently and without external interference. They also called for a reinvestigation of previously closed cases, such as those involving Soujanya, Padmalatha, and Yamuna/Narayana. Furthermore, they requested an investigation into the suspicious deaths of witnesses, including Ravi Poojary, Gopalakrishna Gowda, Dinesh Gowda, Warij Acharya, and Harish Madivala.
The activists are seeking immediate disciplinary action against officials found guilty of dereliction of duty, in accordance with the Karnataka High Court’s judgment on the Soujanya case dated September 13, 2024. Additional demands include the establishment of an independent Gender Justice Support Group, comprehensive witness protection and victim rehabilitation measures, and the initiation of criminal proceedings against individuals attempting to obstruct the investigation through political or social influence.
The memorandum also urged the government to strengthen women’s safety protocols statewide, institute Internal Committees under the POSH Act in all religious institutions, and expedite the implementation of recommendations from both the Ugrappa and Justice Verma Committee reports as part of a broader, long-term strategy.
The delegation of 40 members included notable figures such as Arundhati Nag, Akkai Padmashali, Kavitha Lankesh, Sabiha Bhoomigowda, D. Suman Kittur, Padmavati Rao, and Roopa Hasan, among others.