Why erring Policeman not suspended, asks public; Probe on, says Police Commr.
Mysuru: The five-year-old girl, who suffered a serious head injury after being hit by a Policeman’s lathi while he was controlling the crowd at Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Circle (Highway Circle)during the Jumboo Savari procession, was discharged from Manipal Hospital this afternoon.
Hospital sources said, Shishira underwent surgery and was kept in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after the procedure. She was shifted to a ward on Oct. 24 and discharged today.
Her parents had initially paid Rs. 2.50 lakh towards the treatment. Following an assurance from District Minister Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah, the hospital continued treating the girl without collecting any further payment from them, sources said.
The total bill came to Rs. 4.50 lakh. The hospital has not received any payment or communication from the Police Department or the District Administration. However, it did not collect the balance from the girl’s parents at the time of discharge on humanitarian grounds, sources added.
City Police Commissioner Seema Latkar told SOM this morning that the investigation was underway. Narasimharaja (NR) Police, who have registered a case, also said that the investigation was continuing.
Why no suspension yet?
The delay in the investigation has drawn public criticism, with people questioning why the Policeman involved has not been suspended pending an inquiry. They have pointed out that video of the incident clearly shows the Policeman striking the child.
Samithi seeks Rs. 25 lakh compensation for girl
Karnataka Dalita Sangarsha Samithi (Dada Saheb Dr. N. Murthy faction) District President Shankar has urged the State Government to pay Rs. 25 lakh in compensation to the girl.
He said the Government had announced Rs. 5 lakh in compensation, but the amount had not yet been paid. Since the head injury could lead to complications in the future, the Government should provide Rs. 25 lakh, he said.
Shankar said an appeal would be made to the Chief Minister, District Minister, Deputy Commissioner and City Police Commissioner seeking the compensation.
The incident took place on Oct. 21, when Shishira was watching the Jumboo Savari procession with her parents and others near the Highway Circle.
A Policeman deployed to control the crowd swung his lathi, hitting the girl on the head and causing serious injuries. She was rushed to Manipal Hospital, where she underwent surgery and remained under treatment until her discharge today.
This post was published on October 27, 2026 7:30 pm