A fact-finding team from the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) has alleged that 28-year-old Darshan Singamalai died after severe custodial torture by personnel of the Vivekanagar Police Station and demanded judicial inquiry as well as immediate action against the officials involved along with protection for the victim’s family, who belong to a Scheduled Castes community.
According to PUCL, Darshan was picked up around 1:30 a.m. on November 12, 2025, by two policemen accusing him of showing a knife to a food-delivery personnel.
When Darshan’s mother, Adilakshmi, and brother questioned the officers, they were allegedly told he was a “rowdy” and taken to the station for questioning.
PUCL’s report alleged that Darshan was detained illegally for four days, and brutally assaulted with lathis and pipes inside the police station. Despite repeated visits by his mother on November 13, officers allegedly refused to release him.
On November 16, police personnel allegedly forced the family to send Darshan to a private rehabilitation centre in Adakamaranahalli, claiming he needed alcohol de-addiction treatment.
At the rehab facility, Darshan reportedly could not walk without support, and the staff were instructed by police to falsely state that he “fell from a bike”.
Darshan remained at the centre for over a week. On November 26, his family received a call informing them that he had developed breathing complications and died.
At the Nelamangala Government Hospital, doctors reportedly showed the family injuries on his chest, back, legs, hands, and feet — allegedly consistent with custodial assault.
The Madanayakanahalli Police registered a case and moved the body for post-mortem to Victoria Hospital. Doctors noted visible injuries, according to PUCL, and recorded a detailed statement from Adilakshmi.
The fact-finding report also alleges that after Darshan’s death, 8–12 police personnel threatened his wife Ashwini, attempting to coerce her into withdrawing the complaint.
The PUCL and the Association of Prisoners’ Families for Justice (APFJ) have urged the Karnataka government to provide protection to Darshan’s family, arrest and suspend the police personnel responsible and order a judicial inquiry monitored by the CID.
Published – December 02, 2025 05:30 pm IST
