Villagers allege lockup death, vandalised police station in Karnataka

Gadag, Feb 5: Irate mob vandalised a police station and set police vehicles ablaze in Gadag district of Karnataka on Sunday. Relatives of a suspect who died while in police custody alleged that it was a lockup death and vandalised the Lakshmeshwara police station. Bandh-like situation prevails in the village. Shivappa who was arrested by the police on Saturday was allegedly transporting illegally mined sand. While in custody, villagers allege that he was beaten to death by the police while police maintain that he fell ill after which he was shifted to a hospital. Getting wind of him being shifted to the hospital villagers visited there to learn that he has passed away. Angered, the deceased kin protested outside the police station with his dead body. Situation turned violent after some protesters vandalised the police station and set vehicles ablaze. Windows were shattered, furniture damaged and documents torn up by an irate mob. Senior officials rushed to the spot while the local police fled from the station premises after violence broke out. Situation remains grim in the village and bus services have been halted. The deceased’s body has been sent for post mortem.   (source: oneindia.com)