It was not a lock up death, says SP

Police say that the boy died of cardiac arrest

While Superintendent of Police has called Manjunath a prime accused in a particular case, it is said that Manjunath was a prime witness in a case.

Sources informed that on Monday, at 9.30 pm, Manjunath and his friend Naveen were chatting near the bus stand. Since the two had consumed alcohol, they were talking very loudly. Noticing this, police constable Shivakumar, who was in mufti tried to ask them to vacate the place but the drunken duo tried misbehaving with the constable. The youth got into an argument and reportedly tried to assault the constable. Resisting the attack, Shivakumar nabbed Naveen and tried to take him to the station in an auto. But Naveen escaped. While the police went on a look out for Naveen, Manjunath returned home.

Since the police knew Manjunath, they came to his house to enquire about Naveen.

When he was asked to come to the station, he refused. When Manjunath’s parents prevented the police from taking Manjunath, police, allegedly used force to take away Manjunath. During the incident Manjunath’s brother Vishwanath too left to the station along with his brother. By the time the auto could reach the station, Majunath complained of chest pain and collapsed on the door step of the station, it is said. He was rushed to the hospital but he did not respond to the treatment. It is suspected that since Manjunath was in fear and anxiety, he must have had suffered a massive cardiac arrest.

No injuries

There are no marks on injuries on the body of the deceased. Post Mortem has been done and the exact reason for the death will be ascertained once the report is out, said Dr Neelakantappa, who treated Manjunath. However, some of the witnesses say that Manjunath was beaten black and blue by the police at the bus stand.

Family

Manjunath is the second son of Venkatesh, who has been working as porter in the bus stand. Manjunath has been working as a sales man. There are no cases against Manjunath in the past.

MLA D N Jeevaraj visited the family members. Later speaking to the reporters Jeevaraj said that from an outset there is no evidence to prove that it is a police atrocity case. However, Naveen, has been produced before the court.

Security beefed up

After news channels telecast the news as ‘lock up death’ security has been beefed up in the city to avert any emotional outburst among people.

Clarification

District Superintendent of Police Vikas Kumar, clarifying the same said that no incident of ‘lock up’ death has occurred.

Elaborating on the cases, he said that two persons were arrested with regard to a case, ie the prime accused in the case and his brother. In the station the prime accused complained of chest pain but when he was rushed to the hospital he died of cardiac arrest on the way.