Custodial death allegation sparks protest in Hagaribommanahalli | Hubballi News
Hagaribommanahalli (Vijayanagara): A 38-year-old man who was taken into police custody following a domestic dispute died under suspicious circumstances at the Hagaribommanahalli police station on Saturday night, triggering protests by relatives and residents who alleged police harassment and assault.The deceased, Khalil, a native of Harapanahalli, was married to a woman from Nandipura village in Hagaribommanahalli taluk. He had been residing in the town and working as a construction labourer.According to police, Khalil had an argument with his wife on Saturday night, following which she contacted the 112 helpline seeking assistance. Police brought him to the station for questioning in connection with the domestic dispute.Police said Khalil suffered a seizure while being questioned and was immediately shifted to a hospital, where he died despite treatment.His family members, however, disputed the police version and alleged that he died due to harassment and assault in custody. They demanded a fair and transparent probe into the incident.News of the death spread quickly, drawing hundreds of people to the police station and the government hospital where the body was kept. Protesters gathered outside the station, raised slogans and demanded action against those responsible.As tensions escalated, the district administration tightened security across the town. Additional police personnel were deployed at the police station, hospital and other sensitive locations. A KSRP unit was also pressed into service to maintain law and order.Police sources said personnel assigned to security duties for the police recruitment written examination were recalled as a precautionary measure. Reserve police forces remain stationed at the hospital, where large numbers of relatives and residents continue to gather.Superintendent of police S Jahnavi visited the spot and reviewed the situation. After discussions with senior officers, she directed officials to investigate the case from all angles and said the exact cause of death would be known only after post-mortem and medical examination reports are received.She remained in Hagaribommanahalli as police continued to monitor the situation amid public outrage over the alleged custodial death.
