Karnataka: Kin Vandalise Channagiri Police Station Over Alleged Custodial Death

According to police statements, the accused individual reportedly passed away within six to seven minutes of being brought to the station.

During the early hours of Saturday, a police station in Channagiri town of Karnataka, along with several vehicles, fell victim to vandalism and arson by an enraged mob following an alleged custodial death. Adil (30) was apprehended on May 24 on suspicion of involvement in gambling activities within the district. Police reported that his health deteriorated, leading to his demise the last night.

Upon hearing news of Adil's death, his relatives, accompanied by a sizable crowd, unleashed havoc, damaging police vehicles and pelting the police station with stones, alleging that Adil died while in custody, as per a report on PTI.

Uma Prashanth, Superintendent of Police in Davangere, confirmed that Adil's body has been transferred to the government hospital and a postmortem examination will be completed before handing over to his family members.

As per the Superintendent of Police (SP), the area in Channagiri is currently being patrolled by police, with additional forces deployed as a precautionary measure. The SP stated that further steps will be determined by the findings of the postmortem report, which will be conducted in the presence of a Magistrate.

According to police statements, the accused individual reportedly passed away within six to seven minutes of being brought to the station.

"His parents are also aware of it and they have been convinced," Prashanth said. 

Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah following the attack announced the suspension of the Deputy Superintendent of Police and the Channagiri police station inspector. He clarified that the incident was not a custodial death and noted that the accused man has a history of epileptic seizures.

"The accused used to get fits. That's why I said that summoning him to the police station was wrong. The Depuy SP and police inspector have been suspended because without FIR no one can be brought to the police station," the CM said, as quoted in the report.