Udupi: Various organisations staged a protest in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Manipal, demanding a high-level investigation into the suicide case of Pradeep Poojary of Hiriyadka and justice for his bereaved family.
The protesters raised concerns over the alleged failure of the police to arrest all the accused in the case involving the fatal assault on Pradeep. They also sought an inquiry into alleged police negligence and the conduct of hospital staff during his treatment.
The protest began with a silent prayer for the peace of Pradeep Poojary’s soul. Leaders and activists representing various organisations participated in the demonstration, calling for accountability and a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Protesters allege delay in arresting accused
Addressing the gathering, Billava Yuva Vedike president Praveen Poojary said that eight persons had been accused in the case relating to the fatal assault on Pradeep Poojary.
He alleged that despite the availability of substantial evidence, all the accused had not been arrested. According to him, only two workers had been taken into custody, while the alleged main accused continued to remain at large.
He further claimed that some of the main accused were still in Hiriyadka and questioned why the police had not taken steps to arrest them.
The protesters demanded that the investigation be intensified and that all those allegedly involved in the assault be brought under the ambit of the investigation.
Questions raised over police and hospital conduct
The protesters also called for an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Pradeep’s admission to the government hospital and the subsequent handling of the case.
Praveen Poojary pointed out that two police personnel were on duty when Pradeep was admitted to the hospital as an inpatient. He demanded an investigation into whether the personnel had discharged their responsibilities appropriately.
The protesters also raised allegations of negligence against hospital staff and sought an examination of the actions taken during Pradeep’s treatment.
Another major concern raised during the demonstration was the alleged delay by the Hiriyadka police station in registering a case concerning Pradeep’s death.
The protesters described the delay as a possible dereliction of duty and demanded that the circumstances leading to the registration of the case be independently examined.
Demand for suspension and investigation of police personnel
Expressing a lack of confidence in the district police’s ability to deliver justice to the victim’s family, the protesters insisted that the case be transferred for a high-level investigation.
They demanded the suspension of personnel who assisted the Hiriyadka Station Officer, along with the police personnel who were on duty at the government hospital when Pradeep was admitted.
The protesters also called for an investigation into the roles and responsibilities of these personnel, stating that accountability should be established if any negligence is found.
They maintained that a comprehensive investigation was necessary to address the concerns raised by the family and ensure that all aspects of the case were examined.
Political and community leaders join demonstration
Several political representatives and community organisation leaders participated in the protest.
Those present included Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna, former MLA Raghupathi Bhat and BJP district president Naveen Shetty Kuthyar.
Vishva Hindu Parishad representatives Sunil K R and Srikanth Shetty also joined the demonstration, along with activists and members of various organisations.
The protesters collectively called for a transparent investigation, action against anyone found responsible for negligence and justice for Pradeep Poojary’s family.
The demonstration highlighted the concerns raised by the victim’s family and supporting organisations over the investigation. Their principal demand was that the case be entrusted to a higher-level investigating agency to ensure that the allegations surrounding the assault, police response and hospital procedures are thoroughly examined.