A young Dalit of Konanur in Arkalgud taluk has alleged that the police staff at Konanur police station tortured him, though there was no complaint against him. Pro-Dalit organisations of the district are taking out a rally in Hassan on Wednesday, demanding suspension of four police staff, including a PSI.
Pradeep K.V, 23, a vegetable seller at Ambedkar Colony, on Tuesday told The Hindu that he was on the way to meet one of his customers at Konanur on February 10 when he noticed a group of youths fighting among themselves. As he stopped his bike, two constables reached the place, forcing the gathering to flee the place. The police caught him for no reason and beat him up severely. “They wanted to know where I was from. The moment I said I was from Ambedkar Colony in Konanur, they scolded me taking my caste and referred to me a cow-eater. They constables pushed me to the ground and stood on my chest. I was in pain”, he said.
According to Pradeep, the police took him to the police station, where he was again tortured throughout the night. Only the next evening was he released. “The police staff had a party in the station, where they had food and liquor. The police, in an inebriated mood, tortured me throughout the night", he said.
For the last one month, he has been taking rest, without any earning. The doctors, who treated him at Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences, have noticed injuries and recommended rest for two months. The police have refused to register his complaint against the officials.
SP’s reaction
Leaders of Dalit Sangharsha Samiti’s different wings will be taking out a protest march in Hassan demanding action against the officers. Prakash Gowda, SP, admitted that the police beat him up while dispersing a mob engaged in a fight on that evening, but denied the allegation that he was kept in the police station and was tortured. “We have inquired into the whole incident. There was no mistake by the staff. I have also appealed to the leaders not to take out protest on this issue. The pro-Dalit leaders of Arkalgud taluk are in support of our staff. Some people have been misled”, he said.