Udupi: Demanding a comprehensive investigation into the death of Pradeep Poojary and alleged police negligence in handling the case, leaders of a pro-Hindu organisation have announced a massive protest in Udupi on November 11. Organisation leader Srikanth Shetty has demanded that the district Superintendent of Police (SP) also be questioned as part of the investigation and that Sub-Inspector (SI) Puneeth be suspended immediately.
Alleging that police inaction contributed to Pradeep’s death by suicide, Srikanth Shetty said the struggle would continue until accountability was fixed and all aspects of the case were investigated impartially.
Addressing media representatives in Udupi, he expressed dissatisfaction over the progress of the investigation, stating that several protests had already been organised seeking justice for Pradeep. However, apart from the suspension of two police personnel and SI Puneeth being sent on compulsory leave, there had been no significant action, he alleged.
He said the November 11 protest would highlight the alleged negligence, the circumstances surrounding Pradeep’s death and questions about the police department’s handling of the case.
Police negligence allegedly contributed to Pradeep’s death
Srikanth Shetty alleged that the police department was directly responsible for the circumstances that led to Pradeep’s death.
According to him, Pradeep was distressed because the police had allegedly failed to register a First Information Report (FIR) against those who assaulted him. He also claimed that the young man believed the police were protecting the accused, adding to his anguish.
The organisation alleged that the failure to take appropriate action following the assault and the subsequent handling of the complaint had serious consequences.
Shetty also said the organisation would continue its agitation against individuals who allegedly exerted pressure to prevent a case from being registered against the local Sub-Inspector.
He maintained that the investigation should not be restricted to the personnel who had already faced action and that the role of senior police officials should also be examined.
SP’s statements cause resentment among family and villagers
Questioning the manner in which the district SP had spoken about the case, Srikanth Shetty said the officer’s statements had caused considerable distress among Pradeep’s family members, villagers and representatives of organisations associated with him.
He described the SP’s remarks as one-sided and alleged that they focused primarily on the complaint involving the young woman while failing to adequately acknowledge the death of Pradeep.
Shetty said that although the police were entitled to present the young woman’s side of the case, they should have shown equal concern for the young man who had lost his life.
“We have no objection to the police speaking on behalf of the victim. However, they should have shown equal concern for the young man who lost his life,” he said.
He further alleged that Pradeep was being portrayed as a rapist and a criminal without all the circumstances surrounding the incident being satisfactorily examined.
Questions raised over medical report and allegations
Srikanth Shetty also raised questions about the medical findings relating to the young woman involved in the case.
Referring to the medical report, he claimed that no external injuries had been recorded and questioned certain aspects of the allegations against Pradeep.
He also raised questions about the circumstances in which the alleged incident took place while the two individuals were travelling on the same motorcycle.
Shetty maintained that several aspects required clarification and demanded that investigators examine all the available evidence before arriving at conclusions.
The allegations and questions raised by the organisation remain matters for investigation. The medical findings or the circumstances cited by the organisation, by themselves, do not establish whether a sexual offence occurred.
Demand for immediate suspension of SI Puneeth
Another major demand raised by Srikanth Shetty was the immediate suspension of SI Puneeth.
He questioned the decision to send the Sub-Inspector on compulsory leave instead of suspending him and alleged that the action had not adequately addressed concerns about police accountability.
According to Shetty, there were suspicions that the decision was influenced by the possibility that suspending the Sub-Inspector could create difficulties for senior officials in the department.
He said the developments had raised questions about the functioning of the district police administration and weakened public confidence in the possibility of obtaining justice through the existing investigation.
The organisation demanded that the allegations against the Sub-Inspector be examined independently and that appropriate disciplinary action be taken if negligence or misconduct was established.
Demand for investigation against district SP
Srikanth Shetty also called for the district SP to be questioned as part of the further investigation.
He demanded a comprehensive inquiry into whether any individual had exerted pressure on the senior police officer in connection with the case and whether attempts had been made to prevent action against the local Sub-Inspector.
He sought clarity on who had allegedly influenced the handling of the complaint and whether any senior officials had played a role in delaying or preventing the registration of a case.
Shetty stressed that the investigation should establish the sequence of events, examine the conduct of the police personnel involved and identify whether there had been any interference in the proceedings.
He said accountability should extend to everyone found responsible, irrespective of their position in the police department.
Massive protest announced for November 11
With dissatisfaction continuing over the action taken so far, the organisation has announced a massive protest in Udupi on November 11.
The protest is expected to focus on the demand for SI Puneeth’s suspension, an investigation into the role of senior police officials, including the district SP, and a comprehensive examination of the circumstances surrounding Pradeep Poojary’s death.
The organisation has said it will continue its agitation until its demands are addressed and the questions raised by the family and supporters receive satisfactory answers.
The case has brought renewed attention to allegations of police negligence and the need for an impartial investigation. The circumstances surrounding Pradeep’s death, the allegations against the police personnel and the claims of external pressure will need to be established through a fair and evidence-based inquiry.