Dalit Man Dies After Alleged Police Brutality in Bengaluru: Investigation Launched into Custodial Death

A 24-year-old Dalit man has died under mysterious circumstances after allegedly being subjected to police brutality and then placed in a private rehabilitation center in Bengaluru. The incident, which occurred on November 26, has triggered a formal investigation into potential custodial violence.

The victim's mother, Adilakshmi, has submitted a detailed complaint against both Viveknagar Police personnel and the Unity Foundation Rehab Centre, accusing them of custodial violence, illegal detention, and negligence leading to her son's death.

According to Adilakshmi's statement, her son Darshan, who struggled with alcohol addiction, was taken into police custody on November 12 following an alleged altercation near their home. Despite her repeated pleas, police officials reportedly neither released him nor permitted any family visitation.

The complaint specifically names Assistant Sub-Inspector Pawan and two other officers who allegedly inflicted severe physical abuse on Darshan while in custody, leaving him unable to walk properly.

On November 15, Adilakshmi was informed that police had arranged for Darshan's transfer to the Unity Foundation Rehab Centre near Madanayakanahalli. She claims she was pressured to pay Rs 2,500 for his admission. The rehabilitation facility consistently assured the family that Darshan was making progress in his recovery.

Tragically, on November 26, the family received notification that Darshan had died due to "breathing difficulties." When they rushed to the rehabilitation center, they discovered his body had been moved to Nelamangala Government Hospital, where medical staff confirmed he had been brought in deceased.

The family observed multiple injury marks across Darshan's chest, back, hands, and legs, raising serious concerns about physical assault during his detention or rehabilitation stay.

Following the complaint, Madanayakanahalli Police have registered a case under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and various Indian Penal Code provisions against ASI Pawan, two unnamed police officers, and the management of the Unity Foundation Rehab Centre.

Darshan's body was subsequently transferred to Victoria Hospital in Bengaluru for postmortem examination, where medical examiners documented numerous older injuries consistent with physical assault.

Adilakshmi has alleged that her son, who belonged to a Scheduled Caste community, died as a result of custodial assault by upper-caste police officers followed by negligent care at the rehabilitation facility. An investigation into these serious allegations is currently underway.