Udupi: Udupi District Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar has announced that the investigation into a sensitive case registered under the limits of the Brahmavar police station—relating to allegations and counter-allegations over the alleged assault of a student, Akshata Poojary, at Uppoor—will be transferred from the Brahmavar police station and entrusted to a suitable independent investigating officer.

In a press release issued on Tuesday, the Superintendent of Police said the decision was taken in the interest of ensuring fairness, transparency and justice, in view of the concerns raised by various sections of society over the handling of the case.

Decision taken amid public concerns

SP Hariram Shankar stated that over the past two days, Billava community organisations, elected representatives, women’s organisation leaders and political party leaders have expressed differing opinions, doubts and concerns regarding the incident and the ongoing investigation.

“In view of these developments, it has been decided to temporarily halt the investigation currently being conducted at the Brahmavar police station and transfer the case to another competent investigating officer,” the SP said.

He clarified that the move was intended to remove any confusion or suspicion among the public and to ensure that justice is delivered without bias or external pressure.

Allegations against police to be separately probed

The Superintendent of Police further said that the allegations levelled by the affected women against police personnel would be inquired into independently by senior departmental officers.

“If any lapses or misconduct are found on the part of police personnel during the inquiry, disciplinary action will be initiated against those concerned as per the rules,” he stated.

Emphasising the department’s commitment to accountability, Hariram Shankar said there was no need for the public to harbour doubts regarding the police’s intention to handle the matter fairly.

Background of the case

Explaining the background of the incident, the SP said the issue has its roots in an accident case dating back to 2014. In that case, the accused, Ashik Poojary, was convicted by a court, which directed him to deposit ₹20 lakh along with interest.

As the accused failed to appear before the court and did not comply with the order to pay the amount, the court issued directions to the Malpe police station to arrest him and produce him before the Udupi court on or before December 17.

Police visit to Uppoor house

Acting on the court’s directive to execute the warrant, personnel from the Malpe police station went to the house of a relative of the accused at Uppoor. Uppoor falls under the jurisdiction of the Brahmavar police station.

According to the police version, during the visit, two women present at the house allegedly obstructed the police personnel from carrying out their official duty. Following this, a case was registered at the Brahmavar police station against them for allegedly preventing the police from executing the court order.

The police maintain that their actions were in compliance with the court’s directions and that the case was registered as per procedure.

Counter-allegations by family and organisations

However, the family of the student and community organisations have strongly disputed the police version. They allege that the police acted unlawfully and used excessive force.

The incident has triggered widespread reactions, particularly among Billava community organisations, women’s groups and civil society members, who have questioned the manner in which the police conducted the operation and registered the case.

Protest announced at Brahmavar police station

Meanwhile, the Udupi District Billava Yuva Vedike has announced that it will organise a massive protest in front of the Brahmavar police station at 3.00 pm on December 17, condemning the alleged actions of the police and demanding justice.

In a statement, the organisation alleged that on December 10, at around 4.00 am, police personnel illegally entered the Uppoor house of student Akshata Poojary without a court amin, abused their authority and assaulted the student.

Terming the incident highly condemnable, the organisation alleged that the police, in an attempt to cover up their actions, filed false cases of obstructing official duty against Akshata Poojary and her mother, who were allegedly assaulted during the incident.

Demand for justice and accountability

The Billava Yuva Vedike further claimed that the incident represented a serious blot on the justice system. It said that Billava organisations, community leaders and representatives of the Women’s Commission had held meetings and submitted representations to the Udupi District Superintendent of Police seeking justice, but alleged that no clear response or action had been communicated so far.

The organisation stated that the proposed protest would be held irrespective of caste, religion or political affiliation, and would focus solely on demanding strict action against the police officials involved and justice for Akshata Poojary and her mother.

Administration on alert

With the announcement of the protest and the decision to transfer the investigation, the district police administration is expected to remain on alert to maintain law and order in and around Brahmavar.

Senior officials indicated that adequate security arrangements would be made to ensure that the protest remains peaceful and that no untoward incidents take place.

Conclusion

The decision to transfer the investigation from the Brahmavar police station marks a significant step in addressing public concerns surrounding the Uppoor incident. As the case moves to a new investigating officer and departmental inquiries into police conduct are initiated, the focus will remain on ensuring impartiality, accountability and justice. The coming days are likely to be crucial, both in terms of the investigation’s outcome and the public response, as authorities attempt to balance legal procedure with community confidence in the justice system.