Image used for representative purpose only

In a dramatic turn of events, a police inspector staged a protest by keeping his father’s body in front of a police station in Belagavi on Saturday, alleging harassment and negligence by a junior police officer that led to his death.

Inspector Ashoka Sadalagi, posted at Devadurga police station in neighbouring Vijayapura district, accused Malappa Poojari, a sub-inspector (SI) with Harogeri police station in Raybag taluk, of failing to act on a complaint of assault on his father, Annappa.

Sadalagi also claimed his father was detained and harassed at the police station, leading to his death.
According to reports, on Jan 10, three unidentified persons trespassed on to Annappa’s farmland and assaulted him when he confronted them. Annappa sought police help through the emergency helpline number, but instead of being provided with protection, he was taken to the police station, along with the accused, and was allegedly mistreated while in custody.
On Saturday, Annappa’s health deteriorated while in custody and he was rushed to a private hospital where he died.