Dharwad: A departmental inquiry has been ordered into the alleged police brutality on farmers, women and youth in several parts of Dharwad district during the bandh on Saturday, said Home Minister G. Parameshwara on Sunday, July31.

Parameshwara, tendering an apology for the lathicharge on innocent people said that the government will take strict action against the police personnel who used brutal force against the agitating farmers. He also informed that Additional Director-General of Police Kamal Pant had been asked to conduct the probe into the lathicharge, particularly at Yamanur village in Dharwad district. Pant is asked to submit a report on the alleged police atrocities in a week’s time, said the Home Minister.

Speaking to media, Parameshwara said that Deputy Superintendent of Police of Navalgund region Nehru Olekar has been transferred and a couple of policemen, including a Sub-Inspector, have been suspended. He also urged the political parties not to politicise the issue for political gains.

The protests against the Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal’s interim order saw going violent with several people, including the aged, getting beaten by police and suffering injuries.