Did Karnataka Government Transfer Custodial Death Case of Dalit Youth to CID?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka government transfers the case to the CID.
- Allegations of custodial torture are central to the investigation.
- Family members have lodged formal complaints against police personnel.
- Legal action under the SC/ST Act initiated by the CID.
- Public outcry emphasizes the need for justice and accountability.
Bengaluru, Dec 3 (NationPress) The Karnataka government has officially transferred the case regarding the death of a Dalit youth, allegedly resulting from custodial abuse at the Viveknagar police station in Bengaluru, to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
During a press briefing, state Home Minister G. Parameshwara announced, "In the Viveknagar lock-up death case, we have suspended one inspector and two constables. We have initiated a CID investigation, and further actions will follow upon the report's submission."
The mother of the deceased has lodged a formal complaint against the police personnel at the Madanayakanahalli police station.
Adilaxmi, the victim's mother, claims that her son, Darshan alias Singamalai, 31, from Sonnenahalli, passed away on November 26 at a rehabilitation facility.
She asserts that he was taken into police custody by the Viveknagar police on November 13, held in illegal detention for three days, and subjected to torture.
He was subsequently placed at the rehabilitation center on November 15, where the staff notified her of his death on November 26.
Adilaxmi contends that the police's abuse and the negligence from the rehabilitation center's staff led to her son's demise.
A complaint has been filed against the inspector of the Viveknagar police station along with other officers.
Ashwini, the deceased's wife, also alleged that police officers in plain clothes approached her on November 29, coercing her to retract the complaint.
She further claimed that her husband was beaten with lathis and pipes and moved to the rehabilitation center to conceal the incident.
Darshan had reportedly caused a disturbance at a church by brandishing a weapon. Two police officers allegedly visited his residence, assaulted him in front of the family, and took him away. He was not formally charged as he was under the influence of alcohol. The family had requested his admission to a rehabilitation center due to his drug use.
In her grievance, Adilaxmi noted that during her visit to her son in the lock-up, he was unable to walk due to the injuries sustained from the assault.
Various civil rights organizations have demanded protection for the family.
The CID has initiated a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and commenced further investigations.