The chairperson of Karnataka State Women Commission (SWC) for women has exceeded her brief in submitting an interim report on the attack at Morning Mist homestay here, most activists felt.
Lashing out at the report submitted to the government by SWC chairperson C Manjula, most activists felt that the report without naming the vigilante group would not have any bearing. “Her report does not make any sense,” informs an agitated victim Gurudatt Kamath. She has either failed to comprehend what was going on at Morning Mist homestay or her plan was to protect the vigilante group, he added.
Rights activist Vidya Dinkar says as SWC chairperson her first mandate was to ensure a feeling of security to women in Mangalore. “When SWC fails to protect the interest of women, many would begin to question the existence of such a commission,” she said. Former chairperson of State Commission for women, Philomena Peres, is more blunt in demanding Manjula’s resignation as she had failed the victims.
Friends close to a police official, whose transfer was sought by the chairperson, told Express that he was extremely dejected by the development. “In recommending his transfer and allowing his daughter to fend for herself, what does the commission aim to achieve?,” questioned sources close to the official. The agitated friends of the official even had decided to contact the chairperson over phone but were restrained by the official.
Investigating officials also vouched that the official had not interfered and had kept his anguish to himself.
Following assurances from senior policemen, the official has decided not to seek a transfer. Panambur Beach Development Authority Chief Executive Officer Yatish Baikampady is more forthright. “No one will consider her report seriously,” he says.
