"Tragedy in Mundgod: Five-Year-Old Anganwadi Student Dies After Snake Bite"

 "Community Demands Justice for Mayuri: Allegations of Negligence in Anganwadi and Healthcare Services"

"Outrage in Uttara Kannada: Child's Death Sparks Call for Anganwadi Safety Reforms"

In a heart-wrenching incident that has sent shockwaves through Mundgod taluk, Uttara Kannada district, the tragic death of five-year-old Anganwadi student, Mayuri Suresh Kumbaleppanavar, has ignited widespread outrage and demands for immediate government action.

On January 1, 2025, several organizations, led by the Janaspoorthi Women's Self-Help Groups (SHGs) Trust, united to submit a fervent petition to the Tahsildar, urging a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mayuri's untimely demise.

The grieving community has expressed profound anger towards the head of the taluk hospital, alleging a gross dereliction of duty. They claim that despite arriving promptly, Mayuri was forced to wait for two agonizing hours without receiving even basic first aid. Subsequently, she was referred to KMC hospital without any preliminary treatment. This alleged negligence has been met with fierce condemnation.

Further accusations have been leveled against the Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) and the Anganwadi staff supervisor. It is alleged that children were prohibited from using the Anganwadi's toilet facilities, compelling them to venture into nearby open fields. Tragically, it was in these fields that young Mayuri suffered a fatal snake bite.

"Why was a critically ill child, brought to a government hospital, denied even basic treatment before being sent to KMC?" questioned Mahalakshmi Naik of Janaspoorthi Trust. "We have also called for an investigation into whether life-saving anti-venom drugs were available at the taluk government hospital and if the staff are adequately trained to handle such emergencies."

The safety conditions at the Anganwadi have also come under severe scrutiny. The facility, situated adjacent to a field and accommodating over 40 children, reportedly lacks a protective compound wall. The Bal Vikas Samiti (BVS) and Anganwadi supervisors are accused of neglecting the safety of the children, with the prohibition on using the Anganwadi toilet forcing them into hazardous environments. "We demand an immediate investigation into these grave lapses," asserted Tanveer Mirjanakar, President of the Taluka Yuva Vedike, Mundgod.

This tragedy has brought to light broader systemic issues. On August 23, 2024, Janavedhika, Karnataka, submitted a memorandum to the Minister of Women and Child Development, highlighting the deplorable conditions of Anganwadis across five districts, including Uttara Kannada. The memorandum called for the implementation of basic facilities to ensure the safety and well-being of children. A recent study corroborates these concerns, revealing a complete disarray of supplementary nutrition for children aged up to five years in Karnataka's Anganwadis.

The community's grief and anger were palpable as over 200 individuals, including Mayuri's bereaved parents, local residents, members of self-help groups, youth forums, construction workers' organizations, and land rights forums, gathered in protest at the Tahsildar's office and the Taluk Hospital. Government hospital doctors and CDPOs were also present, facing the community's demands for accountability and justice.

This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for the Karnataka government to address the systemic failures within the Anganwadi system and healthcare facilities. The community's collective voice calls for immediate investigations, accountability, and the implementation of necessary reforms to prevent such heart-wrenching tragedies in the future.

Quotes:

• "Our hearts are shattered by the loss of young Mayuri. We demand immediate action to ensure no other child suffers such a fate." — Mahalakshmi Naik, Janaspoorthi Trust

• "It's unacceptable that our children are forced into dangerous environments due to inadequate facilities. This negligence must end now." — Tanveer Mirjanakar, President, Taluka Yuva Vedike, Mundgod

• "We have repeatedly highlighted the deplorable conditions in Anganwadis. The government must act before more innocent lives are lost." — Representative, Janavedhika, Karnataka

 Statements:

• The tragic death of five-year-old Mayuri in Mundgod has exposed severe lapses in child safety and healthcare services. The community's grief is compounded by anger towards authorities who failed to provide timely medical assistance and basic amenities in Anganwadis.

• This incident underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms in Karnataka's Anganwadi facilities. The lack of proper sanitation and safety measures has once again proven fatal, and the community demands immediate government intervention.