Date:22/03/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/03/22/stories/2007032208640500.htm

Karnataka - Bijapur

Four slum dwellers on fast unto death taken ill

Staff Correspondent

HEALTH CHECK: A doctor attending to one of the persons who is on a fast unto death, in Bijapur on Wednesday.

BIJAPUR: The fast unto death launched by slum dwellers outside the Deputy Commissioner's office here entered the third day on Wednesday. Four persons who were on fast were hospitalised on Wednesday.

The agitation is being held under the banner of Bijapur Slum-Abhivriddhi Samiti headed by Akram Mashalkar.

The condition of Mr. Mashalkar, who is one among 10 persons observing fast, has deteriorated.

He refused to get admitted to hospital as suggested by doctors.

Shobha Gaikwad and Ibadulha Fatepur who were administered saline and released from the hospital resumed fast on Wednesday.

The samiti office-bearers said that the agitation would not be withdrawn till their demands were met.

They are seeking rehabilitation of 664 families that were evicted the encroachment drive last year.

They also want slum status for localities such as Khazanagar, Ganesh Nagar, Kanaki Bazaar, Basaribhavi and Bashanagar.

The slum dwellers have also sought for an inquiry into the alleged misappropriation of funds released for slum development in Bijapur.