Manikanta, who was allegedly tortured
Haveri: Allegations of brutal torture by alleged loan sharks have triggered outrage in Haveri district after a young bakery worker from Bankapur claimed he was abducted and confined for four days for failing to pay weekly interest on a loan of Rs 70,000. He alleged that he had been paying weekly interest ranging from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000 but defaulted for two to three weeks due to financial difficulties.
The victim, Manikanta , told police that he had borrowed the money from Manjunath Katti and Naveen Hangal to meet an emergency.
The accused allegedly abducted him on Oct 16 and confined him in a dark room, according to the complaint. Following the complaint, Bankapur police registered a case and launched an investigation. Stay updated with the latest Hubballi news.
Superintendent of Police Yashodha Vantagudi said police had issued a notice to one suspect, while three others were absconding. “We are investigating the incident using CCTV footage,” she said. Police said efforts are under way to trace and apprehend the accused.
Manikanta alleged that his hands and legs were tied, and he was assaulted with sticks. He further claimed that the accused burned sensitive parts of his body with cigarettes and deprived him of food and water during the confinement. In a shocking allegation, Manikanta stated that when he begged for drinking water, he was forced to consume urine. He later managed to escape and, with the help of local residents, informed his family. He is currently undergoing treatment at Haveri district hospital. The allegations made in the complaint are yet to be established during the course of the investigation. Download the TOI App.