Udupi: SP orders transfer of probe into alleged police assault on Akshata Poojary in Uppoor

Udupi: SP orders transfer of probe into alleged police assault on Akshata Poojary in Uppoor

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, December 17, 2025: Udupi District Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar has said that the investigation into a case registered under the Brahmavar police station limits—relating to allegations and counter-allegations that police assaulted a student, Akshata Poojary, at Uppoor—will be transferred from the Brahmavar police station and handed over to a suitable investigating officer.

In a press release, Hariram Shankar stated that over the past two days, Billava community organisations, elected representatives, women’s organisation leaders and political party leaders have expressed differing doubts and concerns about the incident. In view of this, it has been decided to temporarily halt the ongoing investigation and transfer the case from the Brahmavar police station.

He further said that the allegations made by the affected women against police personnel will be inquired into by senior departmental officers, and if any lapses are found, disciplinary action will be initiated against those concerned. Emphasising that the decision was taken in the interest of ensuring justice in the matter, the Superintendent of Police clarified that there is no need for confusion or suspicion regarding this issue.

Background of the incident:

According to the police, in connection with an accident case from 2014, the accused Ashik Poojary was convicted by a court, which ordered him to deposit ₹20 lakh along with interest. As the accused failed to appear before the court and did not pay the amount, the court issued directions to the Malpe police station to arrest him and produce him before the Udupi court by December 17.

Following the court’s directive to execute the warrant, personnel from the Malpe police station went to the house of the accused’s relative at Uppoor, which falls under the Brahmavar police station limits. During this visit, two women present at the house allegedly obstructed the police from discharging their duty, following which a case was registered at the Brahmavar police station, the Superintendent of Police explained.

Protest in front of Brahmavar police station tomorrow:

Meanwhile, the Udupi District Billava Yuva Vedike has announced that it will hold a massive protest in front of the Brahmavar police station at 3:00 pm on December 17, condemning the actions of the Brahmavar police and demanding justice.

In a statement, the organisation alleged that on December 10 at around 4:00 am, police illegally entered the Uppoor house of student Akshata Poojary without a court amin, abused their authority and assaulted the student, which it termed highly condemnable.

The statement further alleged that in an attempt to cover up their wrongdoing, the police filed false cases of obstructing official duty against the poor student and her mother who were subjected to assault, calling it a blot on the justice system. It said that Billava organisations, community leaders and representatives of the Women’s Commission had held meetings and submitted representations to the Udupi District Superintendent of Police seeking justice, but no clear action or response has been received so far.

The Billava Yuva Vedike stated that tomorrow’s protest will be held irrespective of caste, religion or party affiliation, demanding strict action against the police officials involved in the alleged assault and justice for Akshata Poojary and her mother, who were subjected to injustice.