Dharwad: Stepping up pressure over the suicide of Aditya Myageri, deputy leader of the opposition in the assembly and Hubballi–Dharwad West MLA Arvind Bellad on Thursday demanded a probe by a sitting high court judge, alleging the involvement of senior police officials in the twin cities.
Addressing reporters, Bellad said merely suspending three constables was inadequate and questioned the claim that lower-level personnel had acted without the knowledge of their seniors. He alleged that extortion rackets function with the tacit approval of senior officers, especially in cases involving youths caught consuming ganja.
Bellad claimed that drug peddlers often pass on information about such youths to the police, who then allegedly contact their families and demand money to drop action. He said these practices indicate a serious systemic failure.
Alleging a breakdown of law and order in Hubballi–Dharwad, the MLA said police stations had turned into "settlement centres". He further alleged that rowdy sheeters and drug peddlers move freely within police premises, raising serious concerns over public safety.
While reiterating support for efforts to curb drug abuse, Bellad cautioned against the misuse of such drives for harassment and extortion. He also questioned police claims of rescuing large numbers of students from drug abuse, alleging that no major peddlers had been apprehended so far. He further claimed that illegal activities such as gambling dens and clubs operate by paying fixed amounts under official protection.
Holding the police commissioner ultimately responsible, Bellad demanded Rs 50 lakh compensation for Aditya's family and a government job for his sister.
He said he would write to chief minister Siddaramaiah and home minister G Parameshwara seeking stringent action against all officials found guilty, and warned that the BJP would launch protests if action against senior officials is not initiated within two days.
Police Inspector Suspended
Police inspector Mohammad Rafiq Tahsildar attached to Vidyagiri police station was suspended on Thursday. On Wednesday, three police constables were suspended following alleged harassment leading to the suicide of BSc student Aditya Myageri. Taking the alleged involvement of the police seriously, police commissioner N Shashi Kumar formed a team headed by DCP (law & order) Shruti to probe the case.
