Alleging that Police Inspector R. Venkatesh of Belur assaulted Dalit youths, members of the Dalit Sangharsh Samiti and Pragatipara Sanghatanegala Okkoota staged a protest outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office here on Monday. The protesters said that Mr. Venkatesh assaulted three persons for complaining against him with A. Manju, Minister in-charge of Hassan district, during a meeting at Belur.
Mr. Manju had convened a meeting at Belur on November 8, when Chikka Medur Gram Panchayat member Babu, Dalit Sangharsh Samiti leader B.L. Theertha Kumar and Bantenahalli Gram Panchayat member D.P. Anand had alleged that Mr. Venkatesh was indulging in corruption and collecting bribes from poor people, who were procuring sand for construction purposes.
“When we were returning to our villages after meeting the Minister, Mr. Venkatesh and his staff stopped us near Veerashaiva Kalyana Mantap and assaulted us. They followed us, when we reached the hospital for medical attention,” said Mr. Kumar.
The protesters said that the official had demanded residents of Govindahalli Rs. 1 lakh for releasing a tractor seized by the police for transporting sand, illegally. The matter was settled for Rs. 56,000. “We had brought this incident to the notice of the Minister. The official abused us in foul language and took the names of our castes,” said Mr. Kumar.
Complaint filed
Meanwhile, they have filed a complaint with the Belur police against Mr. Venkatesh. However, the complaint had not been registered. The protesters urged the district administration to suspend the police officer and initiate appropriate action against him.
Deputy Commissioner Umesh H. Kusugal received their memorandum and assured proper action in the matter.
Dalit Sangharsh Samiti members demand action against the police official
