The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : They are yet to come to terms with the loss of their dear one

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Monday, May 07, 2007
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

They are yet to come to terms with the loss of their dear one

Sahana Charan

IN GRIEF: Family members of Lakshmanappa, who was killed in a road accident at Yelahanka in Bangalore recently. — Photo: K. Murali Kumar

Bangalore: The "rangoli" in front of the door speaks of happier days. But the last two weeks have been anything but joyous for the family of 54-year-old Lakshmanappa, a teacher at the Government Composite Junior College in Yelahanka, who died in a road accident on April 24.

Life for them has almost paused ever since Lakshmanappa, along with two other teachers was mowed down by a sports utility vehicle when they were waiting for a bus in Yelahanka.

The person who was driving the vehicle has been arrested, but Lakshmanappa's wife Suvarna and relatives feel that justice may elude them and the families of the two other victims, Nagaraj and Janardhanachari.

"Even though the police have arrested the driver of the vehicle, we fear he may go scot-free as we came to know that he has high political connections," said L. Narasimhaiah, brother-in-law of the Lakshmanappa.

A distraught Suvarna and her two children Rashmi and Rakesh are still grappling to come to terms with the loss of a dear one.

Justice

"He (the accused) should be punished for the crime he has committed and we are just hoping that justice will be done," said Suvarna, an administrative staff of Bangalore University.

She added that his cellphone is untraceable and with it is gone all the phone numbers of his friends. When the family asked the police, they were told that it was handed over to a student of the college who was present at the accident spot.

Void

Lakshamanappa's death has also created a void in the lives of his students who adored him.

A popular and forward-thinking teacher, an honest and upright government employee, a loving father and a charming friend - this is how friends, relatives and colleagues describe him.

"He was benevolent and had immense patience. The college has benefited immensely through his services as he was dedicated to his profession, doing both teaching and administrative work. Only because of his efforts the strength of the college increased from 800 in 1993 to 1,800 at present," said H.V. Venkateshappa, Senior Assistant Director of the Department of Public Instruction.

A science teacher, Lakshmanappa has edited many textbooks for the Department of State Education Research and Training (DSERT). He had also won the district award for best teacher a few years ago.

"He was acting vice-principal of the college and it was not an easy task to manage the affairs of the college considering the large number of students. But he managed the institution with much discipline and patience," N. Laxminarsimhachar, a friend and DSERT official said.

A daughter to marry off, a son still studying - Suvarna has quite a burden on her shoulders.

But her husband's sense of commitment and will power gives her strength to carry on.

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