Flesh stuck in victim's teeth brought them close to gallows

Chamarajanagar, Aug 19: Badraiahnahalli, is a remote village in Kollegal taluk of Chamarajanagar district. Two persons from this village are now making headlines across the nation, as they await their execution.

Fifteen days ahead of her marriage, on December 15, 2001 Shivamma of the same village had been to work in a small farm belonging to her family.

Two youths from the village, Jadeswamy and Shivu followed her. The duo raped and killed the bride-to-be.

When Shivamma did not return home from the farm, her mother grew suspicious and began searching for her, only to find her daughter's body. A case of rape and murder was registered at Ramapura police station.

The gruesome incident had sent shockwaves across the State.

While Shivu was single, the other convict Jadeswamy had tied the nuptial knot only 20 days before the incident.

Piece of flesh

In several cases of rape, the accused often walk away free, owing to lack of evidence. But, it was different in Shivamma's case. In her bid to save herself from the attackers, Shivamma had bitten Shivu, one of the two guilty in the case. A piece of his flesh had got stuck in her teeth, which later proved to be the major evidence.

While conducting autopsy, doctors found this piece of flesh, which was sent for DNA analysis. The analysis confirmed that the flesh belonged to Shivu. As many as 36 people were listed as witnesses in the case. Two women from the village who had seen the inhumane act too were listed as prime witnesses.

After a lengthy investigation and testimony of prime witnesses, the then district sessions judge S D Paramraj sentenced the duo to death on July 30, 2005.

Pardon sought

Later, in November 2005 the two moved the High Court, which upheld the decision of the sessions court. Even the Supreme Court upheld the decision in 2007. However, Shivu's mother, Chellamma on February 28, 2007 appealed to the President to grant pardon to Shivu, which was recently turned down by the President Pranab Mukherjee.

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Warning! Cancer-causing chemicals found in bakery products, especially cakes in Karnataka

News Network

October 3,2024

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Food Safety and Quality Department has issued an urgent warning following the discovery of potentially cancer-causing chemicals in cakes sold by certain bakeries across the state.

Recent tests conducted by the department revealed that some cake samples, particularly those with vibrant colors, contain harmful synthetic coloring agents such as Allura Red, a substance known to pose health risks. The findings have raised concerns about the use of artificial colors in bakery products, especially given their potential link to cancer and other serious health conditions.

"We routinely test various food products, and this time, our officials noticed unusually dark-colored cakes on the market," said Srinivas K, Commissioner of Food Safety for Karnataka. "Upon testing, we found that a few cakes contained Allura Red, a synthetic dye associated with health risks."

The use of artificial colors, especially in popular cakes like red velvet and pineapple varieties, is widespread as it attracts customers, particularly children. However, many bakers prefer using natural, safer alternatives, while some opt for synthetic dyes to enhance the cake's visual appeal.

"Most bakeries use permissible, natural colors that are safe for consumption. Unfortunately, a few are resorting to synthetic dyes just to make their cakes more attractive," said a bakery owner from Electronic City, speaking anonymously.

Medical experts are warning that consuming synthetic colors can lead to numerous health issues, including asthma and allergic reactions.

"Some of these artificial dyes are carcinogenic, and prolonged exposure could have serious consequences, especially for children and young adults," cautioned Dr. Vandana G, a private medical practitioner.

While the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) confirms that only a limited number of samples tested positive for harmful colors, legal action is being taken against the violators.

"There is no need for widespread panic or halting production. We are closely monitoring the situation, and only a few bakeries were found to be non-compliant. Rest assured, appropriate legal measures are underway," assured an FSSAI official.

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