Gadag: An undertrial’s death in police lockup resulted in arson when enraged relatives and friends accompanied by villagers set fire to police jeep and damaged police property in Lakshmeshwar village on February 5.
An undertrial arrested on Saturday, February 4, had died in Lakshmeshwar police station of Shirhatti taluk in Gadag district.
Shivapa Gooli (21), resident of Betura village, a lorry driver by profession was arrested earlier by the police in connection with illegal transportation of sand. The relatives and friends alleged that the police torture in lockup led to his death. Enraged by the news of his death, villagers rushed to the police station and set fire to jeep and destroyed equipment in local police station.
Police resorted to mild lathi charge to disburse the violent mob gathered at the police station. Senior police officers arrived at the village and are camping at the spot to control the tense situation. Prohibitory orders have been clamped in the village to prevent any further untoward incidents as the situation remains tense but under control.
