Magisterial probe - cattle trader Hussainabba's body dug out

Mangaluru, 12 Jun 2018 [Fik/News Sources]: As part of the magisterial probe into the mysterious death of cattle trader from Jokatte here, Hussainabba, near Hiriadka in Udupi district, his body, which was buried at the Idgah graveyard at Jokatte here, was taken out in the presence of judge from Udupi, Irfan, on Monday June 11.

Inquest was conducted in the presence of relatives of Hussainabba, and investigating officer, Hrishikesh Sonawane. This probe has been taken up after receipt of a complaint in which it was claimed that Hussainabba's death had occurred under police custody.

The judge arrived at around 10 am and remained there till 12 pm. After the legal formality, the body was again buried, duly complying with religious procedures. The officials remained at the spot till the evening.

During the process, three locals took over the role of witnesses, and statements were obtained from a few who were present. Panambur police were at the spot along with police personnel from Udupi on the occasion.

The family members of Hussainabba had complained that he died in police custody. Magisterial probe is being conducted on the basis of this complaint. Ten persons including Hiriadka station sub-inspector of police and two police constables have already been arrested in this case.

Bail application

In the meantime, the bail applications moved by three policemen was heard at the chief district and sessions court at Udupi on Monday. These three have approached the higher court as the lower court had dismissed the bail application of Mohan Kotwal earlier.

Police sources said that the case is likely to be taken over by criminal investigation department within three days as cases relating to custodial deaths need to be probed by that department. The bail applications of policemen, D N Kumar, Mohan Kotwal and Gopal were taken up in the court. Advocates, M Shantharam Shetty, Sanjeeva and Vijayakumar Shetty appeared on behalf of the accused. District public prosecutor, Shanthibai, objected to the bail and sought time to place her arguments. Therefore the hearing was adjourned to June 13.

At the same time, advocate, Mattaru Ratnakar Hegde, has filed bail petition for seven accused who have been arrested relating to the case. Hearing of these bail applications was also posted to June 13.