Bengaluru: Defending police firing on anti-CAA protesters in Mangaluru on December 19, Karnataka Home Minister Basavaraja Bommai said that police had to resort to firing when protesters hurled petrol bombs, stones and attempted to barge into the police station before police fired and shot down two protesters.
Responding on the Mangaluru firing case in Vidhana Parishat on Thursday, he said the protesters attempted to barge into the gun shop and collect ammunition. At this point, the police resorted to lathi-charge, teargas, and fired in the air to disperse the protesters. However, the situation couldn't be brought under control, he said.
'Mangalore riots pre-planned: The Home Minister further claimed that SKSSF had organised the protest against CAA on December 19 but it was later withdrawn by the organisers on request made by police as Section 144 was imposed across the state on that day. But, SDPI's Riaz Farangipet called for protests through social media, he alleged.
Judicial probe not necessary: The firing case took place in Kaveri issue in Bengaluru and the firing case in Mulki in Mangaluru in 2007 were handed over to the magistrate's inquiry without any judicial probe. Similarly, the case has been handed over to the magistrate's inquiry headed by the Udupi deputy commissioner. This way, the investigation report would be submitted to the High Court soon the Home Minister informed the assembly.
Giving the account of the action taken by the police department to disperse the protesters, Bommai added that before police fired on protesters the personnel resorted to lathi charge, detained few protesters, used tear gas and 47 rubber bullets and fired 10 rounds in air when the situation was going out of control.
He further stated over 1300 calls were made on Kasargod-Mangaluru telecom route on December 19, the day of protest. He noted that over 373 people were served notice by the police to appear before it for investigation, adding that those found guilty will be prosecuted.
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Dharwad (Karnataka) (PTI): A college student allegedly died by suicide here, following which three policemen were suspended over allegations of harassment linked to his death by the victim's family.
Aditya Myageri, a BSc student at a private college here, was among 18 students detained by the Vidyagiri police on April 25 during an anti-drug drive, police said on Wednesday.
He hailed from Belur village in Bagalkot district, but was staying with his friends at a rented accommodation in Girinagar area of Dharwad city, police said.
Among the 18 students tested, Aditya was among the 10 who had tested negative for ganja consumption and was subsequently released.
Some of his roommates, however, tested positive.
According to police, Aditya's family alleged that despite testing negative, he was harassed by police. They also claimed some policemen demanded Rs 2,000 to settle the matter and threatened legal action if he failed to pay.
He had called his mother asking for money, but she could not arrange it immediately, the family claimed.
On Monday night, Aditya allegedly died by suicide by hanging from a ceiling fan at his rented accommodation, with his family alleging police harassment and pressure over demand for money drove him to the extreme step, a senior police officer said.
Police Commissioner N Shashi Kumar told PTI that an unnatural death case has been registered at Vidyagiri police station. Three policemen have been suspended over the allegations, and further investigation is underway.
