Telangana Minister for Panchayat Raj, Rural Development and Women and Child Welfare Danasari Anasuya Seethakka has assured the family of Adivasi nurse Uke Shirisha that the state government will provide all possible support and work to ensure justice in the Thukkuguda rape and murder case.
Seethakka visited Shirisha’s native Choutigudem village in Mulakalapalli mandal of Bhadradri Kothagudem district on Tuesday, accompanied by Aswaraopet MLA Jare Adinarayana and Telangana State Women’s Commission member Nunavath Radhabai. She consoled Shirisha’s mother and other family members and paid floral tributes to the deceased.
The minister said the incident had deeply disturbed her and that she had spoken to senior police officials, including the Director General of Police, after learning about the case. She said the police acted swiftly in identifying and arresting the accused and assured that steps would be taken to secure severe punishment through a fast-track court.
Seethakka said Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy had instructed her to personally visit the bereaved family, offer them support and assure them that the government would stand by them. She said Shirisha, who belonged to a financially disadvantaged Adivasi family, had pursued nursing with the aim of becoming self-reliant and supporting her family.
The minister announced financial assistance for the family and said the government would provide Rs 5 lakh as immediate support. Assistance from the Women and Child Welfare Department and ITDA, along with personal contributions from Seethakka and MLA Jare Adinarayana, was also announced. Reports said the total assistance would amount to Rs 7.30 lakh.
She also assured the family that their requests for an Indiramma house, agricultural land for livelihood and an outsourcing job would be considered positively. The government would also take steps to provide compensation due under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act according to the applicable rules.
Seethakka further said the government was focusing on the safety of Adivasi and rural women who travel to urban areas for employment. She said measures to strengthen their protection would be examined, including the possibility of a dedicated helpline or call centre for Adivasi women working in towns.
Police have arrested a 34-year-old bike mechanic in connection with the alleged rape and murder of the 21-year-old nurse at Thukkuguda. The case is being investigated under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
“We cannot bring Shirisha back, but the government will stand by her family until justice is served and will take all necessary steps to ensure severe punishment for the accused,” Seethakka said.
Author: Ch Sashikumar
News Reporter at Snap News, covering Telangana news and reporting on important local and regional developments across the state.
