Karkala: Three police personnel, including the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) and the Circle Inspector of Karkala, have been suspended following a preliminary inquiry into allegations of a demand for money at the police department office. The action was initiated after videos purportedly related to the incident went viral on social media, prompting the district police to order an internal investigation.
The suspended officers are Karkala DySP Vijay Prasad, Circle Inspector Sandeep, and Shivananda, a staff member attached to the DySP’s office. The suspensions will remain in force pending the outcome of departmental disciplinary proceedings.
Preliminary inquiry ordered after viral videos
Confirming the development, Udupi Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar said the police department acted immediately after the videos surfaced on social media and allegations of a demand for money emerged.
He said a preliminary inquiry was entrusted to the Additional Superintendent of Police, who examined the allegations and the material available, including the viral videos.
The inquiry was aimed at establishing whether there was sufficient prima facie material to warrant disciplinary action against the officials concerned.
Suspension pending departmental proceedings
Based on the findings of the preliminary inquiry, the police department placed the three personnel under suspension.
According to the Superintendent of Police, DySP Vijay Prasad, Circle Inspector Sandeep, and DySP office staff member Shivananda have been suspended pending the completion of departmental disciplinary proceedings.
The suspension is an administrative measure and forms part of the ongoing disciplinary process. The department has not yet announced the final outcome of the inquiry.
Departmental inquiry underway
Police officials said a detailed departmental inquiry is currently in progress to ascertain the facts surrounding the allegations.
The inquiry will examine the circumstances under which the alleged demand for money was made, verify the authenticity and relevance of the viral videos, and determine whether any police personnel violated departmental rules or service conduct.
Authorities have not disclosed additional details regarding the complainant or the specific circumstances that led to the allegations, stating that the investigation is still in progress.
Police stress due process
The suspension of the three personnel reflects the department’s decision to initiate disciplinary action while the inquiry continues.
Officials said further action, if any, will depend on the findings of the departmental investigation. The inquiry is expected to determine whether the allegations are substantiated and whether additional disciplinary or legal action is required.
The Udupi district police reiterated that all allegations against police personnel are examined through established procedures and that appropriate action is taken based on the findings of the inquiry.