Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, May 14: Three cops have been suspended in connection to the alleged molestation incident that took place near Liquid Lounge pub in the city on the night of May 2.
Policemen Mahantesh, Hanuman Reddy and Paramesh, all working in Bunder police station, have been suspended for dereliction of duty and not taking appropriate action at the time of the incident.
The order was issued by police commissioner S Murugan based on a preliminary report on the incident. Also, disciplinary action has been initiated against Bunder police inspector and the sub-inspector.
On May 2, a youth identified as Sanjay Das (22) allegedly tried to molest a girl outside Liquid Lounge pub near Light House Hill road. Harshil Shetty, who was among a group of friends who accompanied the girl, came to her rescue, and when Sanjay fled from the spot, Harshil chased him down all the way to Danish restaurant, where Sanjay was employed.
However, when the cops arrived at the spot, they reportedly arrested Harshil instead of the accused, and took him to the police station, and allegedly assaulted him too. After his friends urged the police to arrest Sanjay, he was taken into custody and Harshil was asked to come the next day. Harshil in a press meet a few days later alleged that when he and his father went to the police station the next day, circle inspector Cheluvaraju had behaved rudely. Congressman Deviprasad Shetty too had demanded action against the policemen.
Sources said that Cheluvaraju has been transferred to Karwar, but reportedly not in connection with this case. The new Bunder inspector will now probe the case relating to the arrest of Harshil Shetty while woman police inspector will probe the molestation case.