Woman alleges electric shock during police questioning over gold theft

Haveri: A woman who attended a Varamahalakshmi Puja in Shidlapur village of Shiggaon taluk has alleged that police subjected her to electric shocks and physical harassment while questioning her in connection with the theft of a 45-gram gold chain.

The incident reportedly occurred on August 20, when Nagaraj Sunkad hosted the puja at his residence and invited neighbours to participate in the traditional ceremony. During the function, a gold chain reportedly placed on the deity went missing. The family subsequently approached Bankapur police and lodged a complaint.

Police reportedly questioned around 11 people who had attended the puja. While most were allowed to leave after questioning, allegations have emerged that two women were subjected to severe treatment.

Neelavva Olekara, who attended the puja, alleged that she was taken to the police station and questioned about the missing jewellery. She claimed that a police officer gave her an electric shock during the interrogation.

She further alleged that another woman was also subjected to electric shocks and beaten. Neelavva said she repeatedly told the police that she had no connection with the theft but was allegedly subjected to harassment.

“We are poor people and we have not stolen anything. Despite our pleas, we were allegedly tortured. I was given an electric shock and another woman was also beaten. We want justice,” she said.

Neelavva subsequently fell ill and is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital. The allegations have triggered concern among local residents and raised questions over the manner in which the theft investigation was conducted.

The allegations of police torture have not yet been independently established. Authorities are expected to examine the conduct of the officers involved and determine whether established interrogation procedures were violated.

Haveri Superintendent of Police Yashodha Vantagodi has assured that the allegations will be investigated and action will be taken against anyone found responsible.

Meanwhile, police continue to investigate the disappearance of the gold chain and are attempting to establish how it went missing during the puja. The case has now brought both the alleged theft and the accusations of police misconduct under scrutiny.