Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Nov 7: Demanding a fair and impartial investigation into the suspicious death of Pradeep Poojary of Perdoor, his brother Dileep Poojary and Hindu organisation leader Srikanth Shetty have called for a CID or CBI probe into the case, alleging serious lapses in the police investigation and questioning the statements made by the district superintendent of police (SP).
Addressing media persons in Udupi, Dileep Poojary alleged that the SP had provided misleading information to the public regarding the circumstances surrounding his brother's death. He questioned the SP's statement that the young woman had sustained external injuries due to an alleged assault by Pradeep, pointing out that the medical certificate reportedly stated that there were no external injuries on her body.
He also disputed the SP's claim that Pradeep had gone to the woman's house with the intention of murdering her. Referring to an audio recording released by the woman's family, Dileep said Pradeep could be heard stating that he had visited the house to request the withdrawal of the case. He questioned the basis of the police statement and urged the department to place all facts before the public.
Dileep further alleged that even eight days after the incident, the actual persons responsible had not been arrested and the PSI of Hiriyadka police station had not been suspended.
Expressing a lack of confidence in the district police leadership, he demanded that the case be handed over to the CID or CBI to establish the truth and ensure justice.
Echoing similar concerns, Hindu organisation leader Srikanth Shetty alleged that police negligence was directly responsible for Pradeep's death. He claimed that Pradeep had died by suicide due to the distress caused by the police's failure to register an FIR against those who allegedly assaulted him and his perception that the accused were being protected.
Srikanth demanded that the district SP also be brought under the ambit of the investigation and that SI Puneeth be immediately suspended. He questioned the decision to send the SI on compulsory leave instead of suspending him, stating that the action had raised further doubts.
He said the suspension of two police personnel and the decision to send the SI on leave, apart from repeated protests, had not resulted in any significant progress in the investigation. He also alleged that the SP's statements had hurt the sentiments of Pradeep's family, villagers and leaders of organisations associated with him.
While stating that there was no objection to the police speaking in support of the young woman, Srikanth said equal concern should have been shown towards the deceased youth and his family. He criticised the alleged one-sided presentation of the case and said Pradeep was being portrayed as a criminal without adequately addressing the allegations of moral policing against him.
Referring again to the medical report, he said the reported absence of external injuries on the woman raised questions that needed to be answered. He demanded a comprehensive investigation into whether the SP had been influenced by anyone or whether there had been attempts to suppress facts based on external directions.
Both Dileep Poojary and Srikanth Shetty reiterated that they had little confidence in the existing investigation and insisted on an independent probe to establish the facts and deliver justice.
Srikanth Shetty announced that a massive protest would be organised in Udupi on November 11, demanding accountability and justice in the case.
Attribute every disputed allegation clearly use more neutral language throughout.