Laxmeshwar town in Karnataka’s Gadag district witnessed widespread violence on Sunday, a day after a man was allegedly killed in police custody.
To avoid further tension, prohibitory orders have been placed by the authorities and additional police forces have been deployed.
According to multiple media reports, the police station where an accused died in custody was vandalised by family members of the deceased and locals, before it was set on fire. A police vehicle which was parked near the police station was also torched.
The deceased, identified as Shivanand Ganiger, was detained for allegedly smuggling sand.
Lakshmeshwara Police Sub Inspector and his driver was held responsible for the death by the victim’s family.
Senior policemen said that both of them were at large and a case of murder has been registered. They also assured a post-mortem will be done in order to ascertain the cause of the death, and promised disciplinary action against the suspects.
According to reports, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has been assigned to handle the case.