Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)
Mangaluru, Dec 30: Taking serious note of the alleged assault on a family by the Beltangady led by sub-inspector (SI) Sandesh, the founder president Human Rights Federation of India (HRFI) Balakrishna Rai on Wednesday December 30 visited the three members of the family at Wenlock hospital, where they were admitted after being allegedly tortured in police custody.
Kiran Walter and his family, including women, a nun and a child were allegedly assaulted by SI Sandesh and his team of policemen on the night of Monday December 28. The cops had interrupted Kiran's brother's wedding in a bid to arrest Kiran in connection to a case of visa fraud against him filed by his friend Anil Furtado. The cops later alleged that the family members had beaten them up when they went to their house to arrest Kiran.
Four persons - Kiran Walter (38), Elias (40), Rupesh (29) and Godwin (20) - had been arrested by the cops, out of whom Elias, Rupesh and Godwin were released while Kiran is still in judicial custody. Kiran is expected to be released on Thursday December 31, sources said.
The three who were released alleged that they were tortured by the police while in custody, and bruises sustained by them necessitated treatment in hospital. Taking the issue seriously, HRFI president Balakrishna Rai along with other human rights activists visited the injured in the hospital and spoke to them.
Speaking to daijiworld later, Balakrishna Rai said, "I visited them and saw that they have been badly assaulted. I have given them all the information on how to take necessary steps against the guilty policemen. Assaulting anyone in such a manner is certainly a human rights violation. I will ask the superintendent of police to conduct an inquiry and find out the truth. The inquiry will reveal the truth about details such as whether the police had arrest warrant and so on. Based on the report, the case will be taken forward." Sources also said that a report on the matter would be sent to Bengaluru.
Superintendent of police Sharanappa told daijiworld that an inquiry is already on. "I have directed the ASP of Puttur to conduct an inquiry and submit a report. Based on the report, necessary action will be taken."
The family had also approached the IGP seeking justice in the case. When contacted, IGP Amrit Paul told daijiworld that the report on the issue was expected on December 31, and further course of action would be decided based on the findings.