Four years after 32 patients lost their lives due to oxygen shortage at Chamarajanagar District Hospital, Karnataka during the deadly second wave of COVID-19, grief has transformed into fury for the victims’ families. With no permanent relief or government jobs promised by Congress leaders, the families are now threatening suicide if their demands are not met by May 2, 2025 , the fourth anniversary of the tragedy. The incident on May 2, 2021, was one of Karnataka’s most harrowing COVID-related disasters, drawing widespread outrage. At the time, top Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi during his Bharat Jodo Yatra, promised jobs for one member of each bereaved family. Karnataka Congress state president DK Shivakumar had also announced an interim compensation of ₹1 lakh per family. However, two years after the Congress regained power in the state, families allege that none of these promises have been honored.
Their anger reached a boiling point following Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s visit to Chamarajanagar on April 24, 2025. The CM was in town for a Cabinet meeting and a statue unveiling, but he allegedly failed to meet or acknowledge the families despite being aware of their ongoing demands. This perceived indifference has caused outrage among the victims’ kin, with some family members threatening suicide and blaming the Chief Minister in handwritten notes. “If you have any humanity, fulfill your promises. Otherwise, we do not want your compensation,” one family member said, adding that they were ready to return the interim compensation if their demands were ignored any further.
Nagarathna, a grieving relative, stated bluntly: “Enough is enough. We have waited four years with patience, and still live without dignity. We will take our lives and hold the government responsible.” In 2023, protests by the families had forced some response from the district administration. Temporary jobs were arranged in government offices in Kollegal, Gundlupet, and Yelandur, but these were far from the “permanent government jobs” promised. Families argue that they continue to live in economic hardship, with no steady income or social security. With just days left before the tragedy’s anniversary, the ball is in the Congress-led Karnataka government’s court.
