Udupi, November 9: The investigation into three distinct cases surrounding the death of Perdur resident Pradeep Poojary has been officially transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Udupi District Superintendent of Police, Hariram Shankar, confirmed today that an order from the State Director General and Inspector General of Police mandates the immediate handover of these probes.
The sequence of events began on October 28, when the Udupi Women's Police Station registered a case against Pradeep Poojary. He faced charges of illegal entry into a young woman's home, assault, and attempted murder. On the very same night, a separate incident led to a case being filed at the Hiriadka Police Station concerning an assault on Pradeep Poojary himself. Tragically, on October 30, while receiving treatment at Ajjarakad District Hospital, Pradeep Poojary died by suicide, prompting the Udupi City Police Station to register a case of abetment to suicide.
This transfer follows persistent pressure from Pradeep Poojary's family members and various local organizations. They had consistently raised concerns, alleging that all individuals involved in assaulting Pradeep Poojary had not been apprehended. Furthermore, serious accusations of his death occurring in police custody and inaction against the Hiriadka Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) for alleged negligence were made. These groups had collectively called for a high-level inquiry into the entire matter.
Prior to the CID's involvement, disciplinary action had already been initiated against the Hiriadka PSI for dereliction of duty. Additionally, two police personnel from the Women's Police Station, who were assigned guard duty at the hospital, had been suspended. The initial investigation into the assault on Pradeep Poojary had been assigned to Manipal Police Station Inspector Mahesh Prasad, leading to the arrest of four accused, including a minor. However, the police report indicates that other individuals involved in the assault remain at large.
Image: varthabharati.in
📰 Source: Vartha Bharati Udupi