Police misconduct and legal actions in Karnataka

Legal and disciplinary actions have been taken against police officers in Karnataka following incidents of misconduct and illegal detention.

In the Vijayanagara district, two officers—Head Constable Ittagi Raghavendra and Police Constable Venkatesh—were arrested following the death of a 35-year-old construction labourer, Khaleel, while in custody at the Hagaribommanahalli Police Station. While initial reports suggested the death was due to an epileptic seizure, allegations surfaced that the victim died from injuries sustained during a police beating. The case has been referred to the Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.

Separately, the Karnataka High Court addressed the misuse of arrest powers at the Whitefield Police Station. Regarding the arrest of KN Mohan Reddy, Justice M. Nagaprasanna stated, “A notice to appear tomorrow cannot become a licence to arrest today.” The court imposed a fine of ₹3,00,000 on an Assistant Commissioner of Police and a Deputy Commissioner of Police, ordering the amount to be paid from their personal income due to supervisory dereliction.