Custodial death triggers protest in Mandya

Death of a suspect in a bike theft case in police custody sparked off a protest by dalit associations in Mandya town on Friday.

The police had reportedly detained B Murthy (45), the victim from Bellathuru village, Maddur taluk three days ago, but they had not produced him before the magistrate.

According to the police, Murthy hanged himself inside a cell on Thursday night and committed suicide.

They staged a protest in front of mortuary at Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences and charged that atrocities by the police claimed Murthy’s life. They demanded Rs 25 lakh compensation to the victim’s family and action against the police officials responsible for the incident.

After visiting the hospital Deputy Commissioner N Manjushri told reporters: “A report on the incident has been submitted to Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy. A member of the victim’s family will be given a job on compassionate grounds. The government will bear educational expenses of Murthy’s children.”

Two doctors conducted post-mortem at the district hospital in the presence of Additional Civil Judge Jyothi. The proceeding was videographed.

According to Superintendent of Police G Radhika, Criminal Investigation Department would probe the matter.

“Three constables have been suspended over the incident,” she said.