A 24-year-old Dalit youth, Darshan, died under suspicious circumstances following alleged police brutality and negligence at a private rehab center in Karnataka’s capital, Bangalore. The incident occurred on 26 November.

The deceased’s mother, Adilakshmi, has leveled serious allegations against the Viveknagar Police Station and the Unity Foundation Rehab Center in Madanayakanahalli. She claims that her son was brutally beaten by ASI Pawan and two other police officers inside the police station, leaving him unable to walk or move properly.

Adilakshmi further alleges that the police pressured the family to admit Darshan to the rehab center and collected ₹2,500 for the admission. The center repeatedly told the family that Darshan’s condition was improving, while the reality was reportedly very different.

On 26 November, the center informed the family over the phone that Darshan was experiencing breathing difficulties. When the family reached the facility, they were told that he had been transferred to Nelamangala Government Hospital. Doctors there confirmed that Darshan had been brought in dead.

Upon seeing the body, the family noticed severe injuries on his chest, back, arms, and legs, indicating physical abuse. Post-mortem examinations also confirmed old injuries, suggesting prolonged mistreatment.

Considering the gravity of the case, Madanayakanahalli police have registered a case under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) against ASI Pawan, two unidentified police officers, and the management of the rehab center.

The victim’s mother claims that her son’s death was caused by police brutality by upper-caste officers and the rehab center’s negligence. Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the matter.