Udupi: The complaint filed by student Akshata Poojary of Uppoor against personnel of the Brahmavar police station, along with the counter-complaint registered by the police accusing her of obstructing official duty, have both been transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for a comprehensive probe, said Udupi District Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar on Wednesday.

DGP approves CID investigation

In an official statement, SP Hariram Shankar said the proposal sent to the Director General of Police (DGP) seeking a CID inquiry into the matter has been approved. Following this, both the complaint and the counter-complaint registered at the Brahmavar police station have been formally handed over to the CID for further investigation.

The SP clarified that the CID will investigate both cases independently to ensure fairness and transparency. He said the decision was taken in view of the sensitivity of the issue and the public concern surrounding the allegations and counter-allegations.

Earlier steps for transparency

The SP recalled that earlier, the investigation had been transferred from Brahmavar police station to the Manipal police station to avoid any perceived conflict of interest. In addition, three police personnel who were named in the complaint had been sent on leave.

“These steps were taken purely in the interest of justice and to ensure that the investigation process remains transparent and unbiased,” he said. The transfer of the case to the CID, he added, was a continuation of those efforts to maintain public confidence in the police system.

Case registered over protest

Referring to the protest held in front of the Brahmavar police station on December 18, SP Hariram Shankar said a separate case was registered against the protesters for using loudspeakers without prior permission.

He said the offence is punishable with a fine of ₹200. According to the police, prior notice had been issued to the organisers clearly stating that permission was required for the use of loudspeakers. However, since the loudspeaker was allegedly used without authorisation, the police were compelled to register a case.

The SP emphasised that the action was taken strictly as per law and was not intended to curb peaceful protest or expression of dissent.

Allegations of suppression by protest leaders

Meanwhile, Udupi District Billava Yuva Vedike president Praveen M. Poojary alleged that the police were attempting to suppress the agitation, even though it was being carried out legally to seek justice for Akshata Poojary.

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Praveen M. Poojary, who led the protest in front of the Brahmavar police station, claimed that Akshata Poojary was assaulted by police personnel without any provocation and that the agitation was aimed at ensuring accountability.

He alleged that despite staging a peaceful protest, cases were registered against protesters on what he termed as flimsy grounds. “Registering cases for minor technical violations is being used as a tactic to intimidate those demanding justice,” he said.

Plan to escalate agitation

Praveen M. Poojary said the organisation is now considering taking the agitation to the state level if justice is not delivered promptly. He also stated that efforts are underway to seek an appointment with the State Home Minister to present their grievances and demand intervention.

He further alleged that although FIRs were registered against three police personnel following public pressure and protests, there has been no visible progress in the investigation. According to him, no investigating officer has been appointed so far, raising serious doubts about the sincerity of the process.

Demand for impartial probe

The Billava Yuva Vedike president also pointed out that no departmental or disciplinary action has been initiated against the police personnel named in Akshata Poojary’s complaint. He demanded that district police authorities ensure an immediate, impartial and time-bound investigation so that the truth comes out.

“Transferring the case to the CID is a welcome step, but it should not end there. The investigation must be completed swiftly and those found guilty must be held accountable,” he said.

Support from community leaders

Several community leaders extended support to the demands raised at the press conference. Billava leaders Sudhakar D. Amin Pangala, Raju Poojary Uppoor and Mahesh Anchan Katapadi were present and expressed hope that the CID probe would bring clarity and justice to all parties involved.

They said the issue has drawn widespread attention and stressed the need for authorities to handle it sensitively to prevent erosion of public trust in law enforcement agencies.

CID probe raises expectations

Legal observers said that transferring both the complaint and counter-complaint to the CID could help ensure an unbiased investigation, as the agency functions independently of the district police hierarchy. A CID probe is often seen as a measure to restore credibility in cases involving allegations against police personnel.

The CID is expected to examine all aspects of the case, including statements of the complainant, police personnel, eyewitnesses and protest organisers, as well as any available video or documentary evidence.

Conclusion: With both the complaint by Akshata Poojary and the counter-case by the police now handed over to the CID, expectations are high that an impartial and transparent investigation will follow. The outcome of the probe is likely to play a crucial role in addressing public concerns, restoring confidence in the justice process and determining accountability in the case.