Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Mar 13: On Thursday, March 12, 49 persons including city police commissioner, Dr Harsha P S, filed evidences and submitted documents to the magisterial inquiry being held into the disturbances in the city on December 19, 2019.

Dr Harsha filed a 21-page statement and evidences running into 936 pages to the inquiry officer. Udupi district deputy commissioner G Jagadeesha, is heading the inquiry.

Speaking to the media persons, Jagadeesh stated that the city police commissioner has presented 38 evidences running into 936 pages and that the inquiry relating to the police commissioner is complete. He said that deputy commissioner of police, Arunangshugiri and nodal officer of the case, K U Belliappa, have sought additional time as there is delay in securing certain documents. So far, a total of 320 persons including police have submitted evidences and documents, he stated.

Anti-CAA protest on December 19, 2019 (file photo)

Jagadeesha mentioned that recording of evidences by Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner, assistant commissioner, and doctors who performed the post-mortem of the two who died in the firing are pending. He said that the video footage and documents which have so far been submitted are to be examined. "The report is sought to be submitted to the high court on March 23. As some documents are not yet available, submission of inquiry report might get delayed," he said. He also said that a decision on seeking extension of time for submission of the report has not yet been taken, and the issue would be decided after March 19.

Jagadeesha added that out of 176 police personnel, 57 are yet to depose before the magisterial inquiry. "Those who could not depose today have been given opportunity to submit evidences and documents on March 19. After all the documents and evidences are collected, cross examination will be allowed. Members of the general public and the police can participate in it," he stated.