Shivamogga: In a deeply disturbing and emotionally charged incident, unidentified miscreants have vandalised the tomb of Sanketh, a schoolboy who was brutally murdered earlier this year, triggering widespread outrage and raising serious concerns over hatred that appears to persist even after death.
Sanketh was killed on February 23 when he was allegedly attacked by a group of Muslim youths while attempting to intervene in a quarrel near a government school in Uragadur’s Sulebailu area. The shocking murder had already shaken the locality, with residents expressing fear and anger over deteriorating law and order.
Following his death, Sanketh’s last rites were performed at a Hindu cremation ground near Guddemaradi. His grieving family had recently built a small memorial at the site, installing a granite slab engraved with his photograph. Just a few days ago, on March 26, the family had completed construction of a platform around the tomb, hoping to create a peaceful place to remember their son.
However, that sense of closure was shattered on Tuesday evening when the family discovered that the tomb had been desecrated. The granite slab bearing Sanketh’s image had been smashed with stones, and part of the structure was found damaged.
The incident came to light when family members visited the site as part of their regular ritual. Since Sanketh’s death, his parents had been visiting the tomb almost every evening, offering prayers and struggling to cope with their loss. This week, instead of finding solace, they were confronted with yet another cruel blow.
“My son was killed, and even after his death, they have not spared him,” said Sanketh’s father Kumar, visibly shaken. “If anyone has anger against us, they should come to us. Why target a dead child? We came with flowers to pray, but what we saw has broken us completely,” he said.
The devastated family immediately approached the Tunga Nagar Police Station and lodged a complaint. Police rushed to the spot, conducted an inspection, and have initiated an investigation into the vandalism.
The incident has drawn sharp condemnation from local leaders. MLA Channabasappa expressed anger over the act, terming it “inhuman and unacceptable.” He demanded strict action against those responsible and urged police to ensure that such incidents are not repeated.
Sanketh’s grandfather also voiced deep anguish. “Is this what society has become? Even the dead are not spared. What wrong did the boy do after his death? We are pleading with the government to deliver justice,” he said.
The earlier murder case had already led to tension in the area, with locals alleging that illegal activities, including drug abuse, were on the rise. Residents have repeatedly raised concerns about safety, especially during night hours.
“This incident shows that fear still exists. People are scared to step out, and now even the dead are not safe. This is beyond disturbing,” a local resident said.
Police have confirmed that seven minor accused have already been arrested in connection with Sanketh’s murder, and cases have been registered under relevant sections of law. Authorities have now intensified patrols in the area and assured that those behind the tomb vandalism will be tracked down soon.
Meanwhile, the desecration has sparked a larger debate about societal values and the erosion of basic human dignity. Residents and activists have termed the act a “crime against humanity,” demanding swift justice.
“This is not just about one family’s pain. It reflects a deeper problem. Respect for the dead is a fundamental value, and this act has crossed all limits,” another local said.
As investigations continue, Sanketh’s family is left grappling with renewed grief. For them, the wound of losing their son has only deepened — a tragic reminder that even in death, he has not been allowed to rest in peace.
