Mangaluru, December 29: An incident in which a family from Beltangady that underwent atrocity in the hands of police, were admitted for treatment at Wenlock hospital in the city.
It is alleged that Beltangady SI Sandesh along with other personnel, who were dressed in muftis; on the night of Monday, December 28, went to the house of Walter Kiran(38), a resident of Savanalu during a wedding function. The family said, SI Sandesh then tried to arrest Kiran in connection to a case registered against him in Beltangady police station. Kiran’s wife Jennifer objected to this and asked the SI to produce an arrest warrant or other relevant documents. The SI grew angry and allegedly assaulted and tore her clothes, said Jennifer.
When a relative nun tired to intervene, she too was allegedly verbally abused and assaulted, said the family.
Later, the SI called other police personnel who came inside the house and assaulted the family members, alleged the family.
Four women who were allegedly assaulted have been admitted to Wenlock hospital here. Altogether, around 12 were assaulted by the police, sources said. Some of the victims have been identified as Avira D’Souza, Jennifer Saldanha, Sr Winnie D’Costa, Shayna Priyanka (9) and Theresa Saldanha.
The family said, in connection to the incident, they would appeal to the City Police Commissioner today and demand actions against SI Sandesh.
Background of the case:
As per sources, Walter Kiran, who works in Israel, was accused of cheating by his friend Anil Furtado. In a complaint filed in Beltangady police station, Anil had alleged that Kiran had taken the wife of Anil to Israel, after which she stopped responding to calls and lost communication with him. Anil alleged that Kiran had kept his wife in Israel and cheated the couple. But, Kiran denied the allegations and said that Anil’s wife had gone to Israel with someone’s help and not his. However, in the FIR registered on December 28th, it is alleged that Kiran took Rs 5.10 lakhs from Anil promising Israel visa to his wife, but later he neither provided the visa nor paid back the money when Anil demanded it back.
It is said, on December 11th, Kiran came to his native palce to attend his brother Alwyn’s wedding that was held on December 28th.
MLA J.R. Lobo’s visit:
MLA J R Lobo visited Wenlock hospital where the victims have been admitted. He said, he would speak to Beltangady MLC Vasanth Bangera and also ask the Superintendent of Police (SP) to look into the matter.
Christian community leader condemns the act:
Stanley Alvares, a leader of Christian Community has strongly condemned this act of atrocity on women and nun. He said, the government must take immediate actions on the SI who is responsible for committing such act. Otherwise, he warned that the Christian associations would hold strong protest.
The family on Tuesday December 29th, filed a complaint with IGP Amrit Paul against SI Sandesh, it is gathered.
