Bengaluru: A 24-year-old Dalit man, who was allegedly assaulted while in police custody and later admitted to a private rehabilitation centre near Bengaluru, died under unexplained circumstances on 26 November. The deceased, identified as Darshan, had been taken into custody earlier this month by Viveknagar Police. His mother, Adilakshmi, has filed a detailed complaint accusing police personnel and the rehab centre of custodial violence, illegal detention, negligence and caste-based discrimination.

Complaint alleges custodial assault

According to the complaint, Darshan, who had a history of alcohol addiction, was taken into custody on 12 November following an alleged altercation near his home. Adilakshmi alleged that Viveknagar Police neither released him nor allowed her to meet him despite repeated pleas.

She claimed that Assistant Sub-Inspector Pawan and two other policemen brutally assaulted Darshan inside the station, leaving him unable to walk. The complaint states that no medical assistance was provided even as his condition deteriorated.

Transfer to rehabilitation centre under pressure

On 15 November, the family was informed that Darshan had been shifted to Unity Foundation Rehab Centre near Madanayakanahalli. The complainant stated that police pressured her to admit him and to pay ₹2,500 towards admission charges.

The rehabilitation centre reportedly assured the family daily that Darshan was “recovering”. The complainant alleges that they were not allowed to meet him at any point during his stay.

Death reported with inconsistencies

On 26 November, the family received a call informing them that Darshan had died due to “breathing difficulties”. When they rushed to the rehab centre, the body was missing. They were later directed to Nelamangala Government Hospital, where doctors informed them that Darshan had been brought dead.

The family discovered multiple injury marks on his chest, back, hands and legs, raising strong suspicion of severe physical assault. The body was later shifted to Victoria Hospital, where a postmortem was conducted. Doctors reportedly noted several old injuries, though the full report is awaited.

Case registered under SC/ST Act and IPC

Following the complaint, Madanayakanahalli Police registered a case under the:

  • SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, and
  • Relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code related to assault, wrongful confinement, custodial violence and negligence.

The FIR names ASI Pawan, two unnamed police personnel and the management of Unity Foundation Rehab Centre. Police said the investigation is underway and evidence, including CCTV footage and medical documents, is being collected.

Family alleges caste-based targeting

Adilakshmi has alleged that her son, a member of a Scheduled Caste, was subjected to assault by upper-caste police personnel and that both the police station and the rehab centre neglected his worsening condition. Dalit rights groups have demanded an impartial investigation, pointing out that the timeline raises concerns about custodial torture disguised as rehabilitation.

Investigation continues

Senior officers have said that postmortem findings will be crucial to determining the cause of death. Authorities have assured that the case will be thoroughly investigated and that action will follow based on evidence.

Darshan’s death has intensified conversations around custodial safety, accountability of rehabilitation centres and caste-related discrimination within Karnataka’s policing system.