Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Sep 25: A 24-year-old youth attempted suicide here on Thursday September 25 following alleged torture by police and complaint from a girl who had accused him of harassing her.
Praveen, a resident of Laxminagar, Malpe, tried to end his life by consuming pesticide at his house on Thursday morning.
As per sources, a local girl and her family filed a complaint against Praveen and eight others on September 21, alleging that they were harassing her. Praveen's elder brother Purnachandra said that the case was false and Praveen was being harassed by the girl and her family. When Praveen approached the Malpe police to file a counter complaint, the police reportedly refused to register his case.
Moreover, Praveen's younger brother Sachin alleged that Malpe police on September 21 had assaulted and tortured nine persons including Praveen after taking them into custody on charges of supplying ganja and molesting the girl.
On Wednesday September 25, while Praveen was attending a marriage at his neighbour’s house, the police arrived and warned him and the others in front of the villagers. "Praveen was ashamed by the incident and was depressed, and hence he tried to commit suicide. He is in a serious condition," said Sachin.
Purnachandra has appealed to the Udupi SI to conduct a thorough investigation and take strict action against the Malpe police.
Before attempting suicide, Praveen wrote a note in which he stated that he had nothing to do with the girl, and yet had suffered a lot on her account, and hence he attempted suicide. However, the note does not mention torture by police.
Praveen has been admitted to Adarsh hospital and his condition is reported to be serious.
Meanwhile, speaking to daijiworld, Udupi SI Madhu denied allegations of police torture and said that there were complaints against the youth over ganja peddling, and hence he and his parents were called to the police station and let off with a warning. The SI said that Praveen had not approached the police with any complaint. The SI of Malpe police station too echoed the same statement.