Mangaluru: Konaje police sub-inspector (PSI) Srikala and head constable Rajesh have been placed under suspension on charges of assaulting a person belonging to Dalit community and also on charges of caste abuse.

City Police Commissioner M Chandra Sekhar has issued an order in this regard.

According to the police, the PSI and head constable had raided the vegetable shop of Rukmaiah near Mudipu college on 6th April. They had seized few cigarettes and accordingly a case was registered and a fine slapped (ban on selling cigarettes near college premises). On April 7, it was alleged that Rukmaiah had assaulted head constable Rajesh and another case was registered against Rukmaiah. On the other hand, Rukmaiah was admitted to a hospital and alleged that the police had assaulted him.

Meanwhile, the city police commissioner had directed ACP N S Shruthi to investigate the incidents. Based on the report submitted by the ACP, the PSI and the head constable have been placed under suspension.