Chandrakanta Bhat from Indrali Hayagriva Nagar was arrested by Manipal police for fatally assaulting a Dalit woman after she fed a stray dog.
The victim, Baby (50) from Kunjibettu Budnar, sustained severe injuries in the attack and is undergoing treatment at Ajjarkad Hospital. Reports suggest that Baby was feeding stray dogs near her home when Chandrakanta intervened, verbally abusing her and striking her head with a wooden log.
In response to this heinous act, the police filed a case against the accused under IPC 1860 (U/S-504, 506, 323, 324), SC-ST Atrocities Act at Manipal police station. Following an investigation, the suspect was apprehended on March 21 and presented before the Udupi court, which ordered his judicial custody for 14 days.
The Karnataka Dalit Sangharsh Samiti Udupi District Committee expressed concerns regarding the accused’s admission to Udupi District Hospital under the pretext of illness, allegedly under pressure from Udupi MLAs, and his subsequent transfer during the night.
Upon learning of this, the organization’s representatives met with district superintendent of police Dr. Arun K, urging for stringent action to ensure the accused faces the full extent of the law.
The delegation also demanded that the investigation be expanded to include any overlooked sections in the initial FIR.
