Udupi , Feb 21, 2016: Rafique, SI of Hiriadka Police Station is facing a grave charge of assaulting a Dalit youth without any valid reason on February 20, Saturday. The youth named Kiran (18), a plantation worker, has been hospitalised. The incident has sparked outrage and Dalit organisations have demanded the suspension of the SI.
The incident is learnt to have taken place when clashes broke out between BJP and Congress workers near a polling booth at Munduje school at Bombarabettu. It is learnt the SI and other police personnel had resorted to a lathi charge to disperse those resorting to clash. When the accused tried to flee they were chased when they reportedly entered the plantation of Sadananda Shetty of Kondadabettu where Kiran was working. It is said the SI who saw Kiran, thrashed him repeatedly without any verification.
It is said Kiran is seriously injured. The Dalita Sangharsha Samithi and Samatha Sainik Dala leaders have visited the hospital and assured support to Kiran. They have also demanded that an FIR should be lodged and the SI suspended.
Dalit Sangharsha Samithi leader Ramesh Kotian even warned of a protest if the demand was not fulfilled. He also accused the SI of harassing SC, ST people on earlier occasions too.