CAA protests: Former Mangaluru mayor deposes for magisterial probe

Mangaluru: Former mayor K Ashraf, who suffered a head injury during the December 19 Mangaluru violence, submitted his evidence in writing before Udupi deputy commissioner G Jagadeesha, who is heading the magisterial inquiry into the alleged police firing, on Wednesday.
Ashraf said in the 10-page submission before the Udupi DC, that he has explained what he had seen at the spot. “I reached there to convince the protesters at the request of city police commissioner P S Harsha. I submitted 15 CDs and a compilation of videos from various social media platforms. However, the magistrate refused to accept it, as they were not recorded by me, ” he said.
Jagadeesha told reporters that 204 people have made their submissions. Since a bandh was observed on February 13, public, police and the media were given another opportunity to submit videos before the court, based on the high court directive. On Wednesday, only Ashraf appeared and submitted his evidence in writing. The CDs and pen drive brought by him, were not accepted because he claimed in his affidavit that he had received the videos on his phone, and copied them into a CD at a cyber centre. Since we do not know the source of the videos, it cannot be used in the investigation. The inquiry is happening as per the Supreme Court’s guidelines. Those released on bail can come forward and submit their evidence during the hearing, he said.
Next hearing for police personnel
Jagadeesha said 12 police officers and staff will be given an opportunity to appear for the next hearing on February 25. Notices have been issued to the police through ACP (North) and nodal officer Belliappa K U to submit all the documents during the next hearing. City police commissioner Dr P S Harsha and DCP (law and order) Arunangshu Giri will be called separately. The statements of 176 policemen will be recorded as part of the inquiry, based on the list provided by the police. Meanwhile, the DC will submit the status report on the case to the high court on February 24. Jagadeesha said the police have submitted a pen drive with 50 video clips and one CD. The police had seized 23 DVRs that were submitted before the court, and the acknowledgement was presented here. As per the government order, a report on the inquiry will be submitted before March 23.
Jagadeesha said depending on the situation, if required, he would seek more time from the government. Following the December 19 violence and the death of Nauseen Kudroli,49, and Jaleel Bengre, 23, due to alleged police firing, the state government commissioned two probes, one magisterial and the other CID.