The death of lorry driver Shivanand Ganiger, which led to irate mob attacking the police station in Laxmeshwar in Gadag district on Sunday, is shrouded in mystery.
While the family members said that Shivanand died owing to police torture, the police categorically denied the allegation.
According to police sources, they received a tip-off about illegal transportation of sand in the lorry driven by Shivanand. The police chased the lorry and stopped it. After inquiring with Shivanand, they let him go after the lorry owner talked to them over phone and requested them not to seize the lorry. Later, when he went home, Shivanand allegedly complained of stomach pain, following which he was admitted to a hospital in Laxmeshwar where he died on Sunday morning, the police said. As the news of his death spread, family members and villagers resorted to protest which resulted in vandalising the police station, they said.
Gadag Superintendent of Police Santosh Babu said the reason for death would be known clearly upon receipt of the autopsy report. However, he denied the allegations by the family members that he was subjected to torture at the police station on Saturday night, and added that it was certain that he was not taken to the police station.
“The police had let off the lorry near the check-post following the owner’s request. The case is being investigated,” he added.
