Karnataka police protest leader writes to CJ, claims innocence

The Akhila Karnataka Police Mahasabha president approached the chief justice of Karnataka High Court today, seeking protection for his family. State police federation president V Shashidhar was imprisoned for allegedly instigating the police department to go on a mass leave on June 4.

To draw attention to the grievances of police personnel in Karnataka, the uniformed men threatened to go on a mass leave until their problems were addressed by the state government.

Shashidhar, in his letter of appeal, claimed that he wasn't involved in any illegal activities other than attempting to seek police reforms to facilitate the force. He alleged that those in power were scapegoating him for the protest. He also claimed that he had been imprisoned on the orders of chief minister Siddaramaiah and state home minister G Parameshwara.

The state police federation president also claimed that his family was subjected to torture. In his petition, Shashidhar explained the details of police action taken against his family and him and requested protection by the courts.