The death of 35-year-old Khalil in custody triggers protests in Karnataka’s Vijayanagara district. His family alleges he was beaten inside the police station
BENGALURU — Two police personnel attached to Hagaribommanahalli Police Station in Karnataka’s Vijayanagara district have been arrested following the alleged custodial death of a 35-year-old construction worker, Khalil. The incident has sparked protests, with the victim’s family accusing police of brutally assaulting him inside the police station.
The arrested officers have been identified as Head Constable Ittagi Raghavendra and Police Constable Venkatesh. They were taken into custody after an FIR was registered on the complaint of Khalil’s wife, Shainaz, who alleged that her husband died after being beaten by police.
According to the police, Khalil, a resident of Harapanahalli who was living with his family in Hagaribommanahalli, was brought to the police station late on Sunday night following a domestic dispute with his wife.
Police said Shainaz approached them after an argument between the couple took place on a public road. However, the family’s account differs sharply from the official version.
Relatives allege that after Khalil was taken into custody, he was severely beaten inside the police station with lathis and iron rods, leading to his death.
The family has also accused the police of initially attempting to describe the death as the result of an epileptic seizure.
According to the relatives, Khalil’s body showed visible signs of serious injuries.
They claimed there was blood coming from his head, nose and ears, while several injury marks were found on different parts of his body, raising serious allegations of custodial torture.
Following Shainaz’s complaint, an FIR was registered against the two policemen. Both officers were later arrested and are being questioned.
Speaking about the case, SP Jahnavi said that an inquiry was conducted in the presence of a magistrate and that the post-mortem examination had been completed.
Senior police officers, including Dr Harsha, visited Hagaribommanahalli Police Station to inspect the scene.
SP Jahnavi and Deputy Superintendent of Police Mallesh Doddamani remained in Hagaribommanahalli to supervise the investigation and monitor the law and order situation.
The incident triggered large protests in the town.
Hundreds of people gathered outside the police station and later outside the hospital where Khalil’s body was taken. Protesters demanded strict action against those responsible for the alleged custodial killing.
Expressing the family’s grief and anger, Khalil’s relative Naushad Ali questioned the police action.
“It was only a dispute between husband and wife. The police took him to the station and beat him to death. Who will bring his life back? Is it the job of the police to beat a person so brutally?” he said.
Local MLA Nemiraj Naik also visited the bereaved family and called for strict action against the policemen accused in the case.
The custodial death has once again raised concerns over alleged police violence and accountability in custody. Human rights groups and locals have demanded a fair and transparent investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding Khalil’s death and ensure that those found responsible are brought to justice.
The investigation is continuing, and the authorities have not yet announced the findings of the post-mortem examination or the magistrate’s inquiry.
