Udupi: Udupi city police have registered a case against more than 10 people on charges of abetment to suicide following the death of 28-year-old Pradeep Poojary, who died while undergoing treatment at the Ajjarkad District Government Hospital.

The case was registered based on a complaint filed by Pradeep’s brother, Dileep Kumar, a resident of Perdoor. The accused include Shravya Shetty, Prasanna Shetty, Sudheer, Shailesh, Shashank, Krishna, Sujaya, Sanath, two migrant workers from another state and others.

According to the complaint, Pradeep had been in a relationship with Shravya Shetty for around eight years. The complainant alleged that Pradeep was assaulted by a group of people on the night of October 27, following which he was admitted to the district hospital for treatment.

Alleged assault over relationship

According to Dileep Kumar’s complaint, Pradeep was walking towards his house in Nairkodu at around 10 pm on October 27 when a group of people travelling in three cars allegedly intercepted him.

The group allegedly included Shravya’s brothers Prasanna Shetty, Sudheer Shetty and Shailesh Shetty, along with Sanath, Krishna, Sujaya and others. They allegedly abused Pradeep and took him to Shravya’s house.

The complaint further alleges that Prasanna Shetty assaulted Pradeep with a cane, hitting his legs and back and leaving visible marks. Other members of the group allegedly attacked him with wooden logs, causing injuries.

These allegations have been made in the complaint and are yet to be established through the police investigation.

Brother allegedly sent friends to check on him

Dileep Kumar reportedly became concerned when Pradeep did not return home. He allegedly sent some of his friends to Shravya’s house to find out what had happened.

When the friends reached the house, they reportedly found Pradeep being assaulted. The alleged assault stopped after they arrived at the spot, according to the complaint.

Pradeep was admitted to the Ajjarkad District Government Hospital on October 28 for treatment. During a subsequent visit, he reportedly narrated the incident to his brother and spoke about the alleged assault and threats to his life.

The complaint states that Pradeep was deeply distressed by the incident and the threats allegedly made against him.

Pradeep found dead in hospital

Pradeep died by suicide at around 5.30 pm on October 30 inside the hospital washroom, according to reports. His death came while he was receiving treatment for injuries sustained in the alleged assault.

The incident prompted police to visit the hospital and initiate the necessary legal procedures. His death has now led to a separate case being registered against more than 10 people on charges of abetment to suicide.

Police investigation underway

The accused named in the complaint include Shravya Shetty, Prasanna Shetty, Sudheer, Shailesh, Shashank, Krishna, Sujaya and Sanath, besides two migrant workers and others.

Udupi City Police have taken up the investigation to examine the allegations and establish the circumstances surrounding Pradeep’s death.

The investigation is expected to look into the alleged assault, threats and the events leading up to his death in the hospital. The police will also examine the statements and other evidence relevant to the case.

The allegations against the named individuals remain subject to investigation, and the facts will have to be established through the legal process.