A Dalit youth, Shashikant Mallikarjun Natikar (25), was reportedly tortured and killed by the owner of a private blood bank in Kalaburagi, Karnataka, after being accused of stealing cigarette packets. Shashikant, a resident of Pragati Colony, was employed at the blood bank near Basaveshwara Hospital.
The blood bank owner, Chandrashekhar Mallinath Patil, allegedly accused Shashikant of stealing cigarette packets worth Rs 1.40 lakh. According to Shashikant’s father, Mallikarjun, Patil demanded that Shashikant pay the amount, and when he could not, Patil summoned associates to assault him.
An FIR has been filed against Patil and four other individuals in connection with the incident, but Patil, the main accused, is currently absconding. The police have launched an investigation into the matter.
