K’taka HC Orders Suspension of 6 Police Officers for Assaulting an Advocate

The Karnataka High Court has recorded the suspension of six police officers involved in an assault against an advocate in Chikkamagaluru during the hearing of a suo-motu petition.

“In view of the gravity of the situation and the evident dereliction of duty by six police officers from Chikkamagaluru Town Police Station, comprising one assistant sub-inspector, four constables, and one sub-inspector, they have been placed under suspension as per an office order dated December 1,” stated the court in its order, subsequent to acknowledging a submission by the Advocate General.

The incident involves Advocate Preetham, who was intercepted by the police on Market Road on Thursday night for riding a motorcycle without a helmet. Following a dispute, he was escorted to the police station where he purportedly suffered physical assault. Subsequent to protests by advocates, a case was filed against the six police officers.

The Advocate General submitted a memorandum before the bench of Chief Justice Prasanna B Varale and Justice Krishna S Dixit, outlining the actions taken by the police department in addressing the matter.

“Given the gravity of the case, the investigation has been entrusted to Shailendra H M, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Chikkamagaluru Sub-Division,” the court said.