CHIKKAMAGALURU: Two police constables attached to Balehonnur police station of Chikkamagaluru allegedly tortured a labourer who was picked up in connection with a theft case on Thursday morning. After he was let off in the evening, the labourer, identified as Haneef, had to be hospitalised.
Haneef was picked up for questioning with regard to a theft at the house of Ateeq Hussain at Magundi village, which took place a couple of months ago. In his complaint Hussain had stated that articles worth Rs 1.5 lakh were stolen from his house. Haneef was staying as a tenant at Hussain’s house.
Narrating his ordeal to media persons here at Chikkamagaluru on Friday, Haneef said the two police constables, Arun and Chetan, resorted to harsh methods to make him confess. They used iron rods to beat him, used lighted cigarette butts to burn his private parts and smeared chilly powder on his buttocks. Haneef claimed that he resisted police pressure and was later let out. However, police contend that Haneef was the culprit.
Haneef’s relative, Abdul Waheed, later met Chikkamagaluru Superintendent of Police Annamalai and told him about the alleged torture. The SP reportedly assured him hat he would send Additional Superintendent of Police to verify facts to initiate suitable action against erring constables. Haneef is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Chikkamagaluru.
