Hindu forums protest in police station

Hubballi: Condemning police for caning Bajrang Dal activist Mallikarjun Sattigeri for questioning their failure in preventing thefts on KIMS premises, leaders of Hindu organisations protested at Vidyanagar police station here on Tuesday.
On Monday, Vidyanagar Police Inspector Mahantesh Holi had a heated argument with Sattigeri at KIMS staff quarters over serial house thefts on the premises.
Sattigeri had alleged that theft cases are increasing at KIMS quarters due to police failure in cracking the theft cases that took place a month ago.
Holi had argued that police were not gods to crack all cases. As the argument continued, Holi had taken Sattigeri to the station and is said to have assaulted him.
Hindu leader Jayatirth Katti alleged that police caned a citizen who intended to register a complaint of house theft. “Sattigeri’s brother Shivanand’s wife is working in KIMS. Sattigeri had been there as his brother’s family was hit by burglars. Police, who have failed in catching the thieves, caned Sattigeri by keeping a piece of cloth in his mouth,” he alleged.
When North ACP Vinod Moktedar tried to resolve the issue by holding a conciliation meeting, Hindu activists remained firm on their demand of action against Holi and constable Krishna Motebennur. “We had filed a complaint against Holi on Monday itself, but there was no action even after 16 hours. Holi called Sattigeri a thief,” they said. The activists raised slogans against police and sat on dharna till evening. Following their protest, DCP (law and order) Sahil Bagla rushed to the station and requested the activists to withdraw their protest.
After negotiating for hours, Bagla assured that Holi and Motebennur would be transferred after which the protest ended.
Hindu activists Umesh Dushi, Govardhan and others led the protest.
When TOI contacted police commissioner Labhu Ram, he suggested to call DCP Bagla. However, Bagla did not respond to calls.