Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Dec 24: Udupi District Billava Yuva Vedike president Praveen Poojary has alleged that the registration of a suo motu case against those who fought to secure justice for student Akshatha Poojary is completely unjustified.
Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, December 24, Praveen Poojary said that despite protests and subsequent developments, there has been no real progress in the investigation. “Our leaders have come together and held meetings, demanding a high-level probe into the matter. We have decided to take this issue to the home department. Why has the police department not appointed investigating officers so far? Why have the erring police officials not been suspended? If this continues, we will be forced to intensify our protest. The Home Department must conduct a thorough and impartial investigation,” he demanded.
Explaining the background of the case, Praveen Poojary said that in connection with the case involving student Akshatha Poojary, the Brahmavar police had recorded her statement while she was admitted to the Udupi Government Hospital but failed to register an FIR based on her complaint. Instead, a case was registered against Akshatha Poojary alleging obstruction of duty and assault. He alleged that the police deliberately avoided registering the First Information Report based on her statement in order to protect the guilty.
Seeking justice for Akshatha Poojary, a protest was held in front of the Brahmavar police station on December 17, demanding registration of an FIR based on her statement. Following the protest, the Udupi district Superintendent of Police ordered the registration of an FIR as per Akshatha Poojary’s statement against the accused.
However, Praveen Poojary had alleged that on December 18, the Brahmavar Police Inspector registered a suo motu complaint against three persons and others who had participated in the protest. He claimed that this false case was registered solely with the intention of suppressing the protest.
He further stated that a meeting was held on December 21 at Billava Seva Sangha, Bannanje, where community elders and leaders discussed the issue and decided to bring the matter to the attention of the Hon’ble Home Minister.
Although a case has been registered against the accused based on Akshatha Poojary’s complaint, no action has been taken against the guilty so far, Praveen Poojary said, raising serious doubts about the transparency of the justice process. He demanded that the Superintendent of Police immediately ensure an impartial and fair investigation, withdraw the allegedly false FIR registered against Akshatha, and suspend the police personnel who allegedly went to her house, committed the offence, and those who supported them.
The press conference was attended by Sundar D Amin Pangala, Raju Poojary, Katapady Vishwanatha Kshetra president Mahesh Anchan and Udupi District Billava Yuva Vedike vice-president Mahesh Kumar.