Angry mob has vandalised a police station in Gadag and set a vehicle on fire after sand mining suspect, 21-year lorry driver Shivappa, allegedly died in their custody. In the wake of the violence, tension prevailed in Lakshmeshwara area. Holding Lakshmeshwara Police Sub Inspector (PSI) and his driver responsible for the death, family members and villagers of the deceased said that he had been beaten mercilessly and died due to his injuries. Shivappa was allegedly arrested Saturday on charges of his involvement in illegal sand mining activities.

His kin protested in front of the police station demanding the PSI’s presence, even as senior police officials claimed that his whereabouts are not known.

Senior police officials said a murder case has been registered and investigation will be handed over to Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

Stating that postmortem will be conducted as per the guidelines to ascertain the cause of the death, they said the PSI will be suspended.

Additional forces have been deployed and prohibitory orders have been clamped by the police in Lakshmeshwara to ensure that the tension does not escalate.

Police said a case has also been registered relating to police station arson.
(With inputs from PTI)