DSS leader's death sparks protest

The sudden death of a DSS leader, Sampangi (52), allegedly due to suicide sparked off the protest.

The protesters claimed that torture by police officer Purushottam forced Sampangi take the extreme step. He was found hanging from a ceiling fan inside the Ambedkar Samudaya Bhavan at Bommanahalli on Friday night.

Things took a different turn after a suicide note was found in the Bhavan. Sampangi wrote: "Purushottam is a useless police officer. He is harassing and exploiting Dalits. He doesn't have respect for the Constitution of this country. Hence, dalits should be cautious about him."

Sampangi's son Anand had recently eloped with Ramya, a relative of corporator Manjunath Reddy. Ramya's parents had lodged a complaint with Madivala police on March 10. The police registered a case and frequently summoned Sampangi to the station and allegedly harassed him. He decided to end his life as he was unable to bear the mental torture, alleged the protesters.

DCP (South East) B N S Reddy said stern action will be taken against the guilty after an inquiry.

The protest led to traffic jam in the area for some time.