In the early hours of May 25, a violent Islamist mob launched an attack on the Channagiri police station in Karnataka, leaving at least eleven police officers injured and leading to the arrest of twenty-five individuals and the detention of thirty others. The mob, alleging a custodial death, vandalised the police station in the Davangere district and threw stones at the officers.
All of the arrested individuals, according to the police, are locals of Channagiri and nearby areas. The riot began when a crowd stormed the Channagiri police station, throwing stones and claiming that a 33-year-old man named Adil, who had been brought in for interrogation on May 24, had passed away inside the police station.
The mob alleged that he was killed by the police.
Adil was taken into custody on suspicion of involvement in gambling-related activities within the district. As word spread of his death, a large gathering led by his relatives went on a rampage, breaking into police cars and throwing stones at the police station. They asserted that the man had passed away while under arrest due to torture.
The authorities stated that Adil’s health had declined and he was shifted to the hospital, where he was declared dead. It was discovered that he had low blood pressure and suffered from seizures. The attack resulted in the suspension of the inspector of the Channagiri police station and the deputy superintendent of police.
The investigation into the case has been handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department.
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on May 26 stated, “A Deputy SP and an inspector have been suspended, as there was no proper action on the part of the police and there was negligence. An inquiry has been ordered. Based on what comes out of the inquiry, we will take action.”
He added, “The incident shouldn’t have happened. Because of his (deceased) alleged involvement in matka (gambling), police caught him, during which he had some problems (with health) and he died.”
The accused were arrested based on CCTV footage and cellphone videos of the violence. The sleuths have compiled a list of the other suspects and begun their search for them. The CID was scheduled to present the arrested accused before the court.
Hindu organisations, led by the Vishva Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal, staged a demonstration over the incident in Channagiri Town.
Protesters presented a memorandum to the Tehsildar as part of the procession which started at the Anjaneya temple and demanded strict action against the perpetrators. The accused have been booked under sections 353 (Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) and 307 (Attempt to murder) of the Indian Penal Code and they have been remanded in judicial custody.
Uma Prashanth, the superintendent of police in Davangere, formed five squads to track down and capture individuals responsible for vandalising the police station, throwing stones, damaging police cars, and hurting police officers.
Six cases had been filed by the Channagiri station police in relation to the violence.
Following the shocking incident, the opposition, including the Bharatiya Janata Party, criticised the state administration for failing to maintain law and order.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also confessed to police mistakes that led to the suspension of two officers.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stated, “Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has ordered an inquiry into the attack on the police station in Channagiri. The investigation is underway, and the culprits will be brought to book at any cost. The Congress party treats people of all sects equally, but no one can take the law into their own hands. The government is committed to punishing the culprits.”
