On Monday, two police officers from the Hagaribommanahalli Police Station in Karnataka’s Vijayanagara district were taken into custody in connection with the alleged custodial death of 35-year-old construction labourer Khaleel. Head Constable Ittagi Raghavendra and Police Constable Venkatesh were arrested after an FIR was registered based on a complaint filed by Khaleel’s wife, Shainaz, who alleged that her husband was assaulted by the police, resulting in his death. The incident occurred after Khaleel was brought to the police station on Sunday night following a domestic dispute with his wife. Family members claim that Khaleel was brutally beaten by the policemen with lathis and rods inside the police station, leading to his death. The police initially attempted to portray the death as a result of an epileptic seizure, but relatives pointed out that blood was seen oozing from Khaleel’s head, nose, and ears, and multiple injury marks were visible on his body.
Vijayanagara Superintendent of Police S. Jahnavi registered the FIR against the two policemen and ordered an inquest to be conducted in the presence of a magistrate. The post-mortem examination has been completed, and the investigation is expected to be handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Senior police officials, including Ballari Range Inspector General of Police Dr Harsha, visited the Hagaribommanahalli Police Station to inspect the scene. The incident has sparked widespread protests, with hundreds of people gathering outside the police station and later at the hospital where Khaleel’s body was shifted. Local JD(S) MLA Nemiraj Naik demanded justice for the deceased and called for stringent action against the accused policemen.
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📰 Source: Mangalorean News