Montepadavu Landslide: Victim Ashwini Makes Emotional Appeal Before Human Rights Commission

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Mangaluru : In a heart-wrenching scene at the Zilla Panchayat’s Netravati Auditorium, Ashwini, a survivor of the devastating Montepadavu landslide, broke down in tears while seeking justice before the State Human Rights Commission. Ashwini, who lost both her legs in the disaster that occurred on May 30, 2025, arrived in a private ambulance accompanied by her mother, Pushpavathi. Due to her condition, she met the Commission Chairman, Dr. Shyam Bhatt, and member S.K. Vantigodi at the entrance of the hall in her wheelchair to narrate her tragic ordeal.

The landslide at Pambada Hittilu Kodi Koppala in Manjanadi village had claimed the lives of Ashwini’s two young children and her mother-in-law on the spot. Ashwini herself was buried under the debris of the collapsing hill, leading to severe injuries that resulted in the amputation of both her legs. The victim’s family alleges that the disaster was not a mere natural calamity but a result of unscientific construction work on the hill behind their house, which led to the loss of three lives and left Ashwini permanently disabled.

While the government has provided a compensation of ₹2 lakh for her permanent disability, the victim and her family argued that this amount is woefully inadequate. They highlighted that the family has lost their home and their primary means of livelihood. Representing her case, they demanded a comprehensive rehabilitation package, including a permanent house and lifelong financial support, citing professional negligence as the cause of the tragedy.

Responding to the emotional appeal, Chairman Dr. Shyam Bhatt and member S.K. Vantigodi termed it a “serious case.” After consulting with officials, including ZP CEO Vinayak Narwade and Assistant Commissioner Meenakshi, the Commission assured the victim that further action would be taken based on a pending technical report from NITK (National Institute of Technology Karnataka). The Commission directed the concerned authorities to expedite the process and ensure justice for the displaced family.