At least 25 individuals have been arrested following a violent mob attack on the Channagiri police station, officials reported on Monday. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, when a group vandalised the station and damaged several vehicles, incited by an alleged custodial death. Eleven police personnel sustained injuries during the altercation.
The Criminal Investigation Department has now taken over the investigation into the case.
According to the police, they have arrested 25 people in connection with a mob attack on the police station, personnel and properties under sections 353 (Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) and 307 (Attempt to murder) of IPC, and the suspects have been remanded in judicial custody, as reported by PTI.
Five police teams were formed to investigate the incident, leading to arrests based on CCTV footage and video clips. The turmoil began after Adil, 30, was detained on May 24 for alleged gambling activities. His health deteriorated while in custody, and he subsequently died. The news of Adil's death prompted his relatives and a large group of people to go on a rampage, damaging police vehicles and hurling stones at the police station, alleging custodial death.
Following the incident, Deputy Superintendent of Police and Channagiri police station inspector have been suspended.
On Sunday, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said, "A Deputy SP and an inspector have been suspended, as there was no proper action on part of the police and there was negligence. An inquiry has been ordered. Based on what comes out of the inquiry, we will take action." The incident shouldn't have happened."
"Because of his (deceased) alleged involvement in matka (gambling), police had caught him, during which he had some problem (with health) and he died. How did he die -- due to heart attack or low BP (blood pressure) -- we will get to know about it from the postmortem report. An inquiry has been ordered," he said, as per the report.