Bengaluru social worker shares encounter with Kengeri police

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: A Bengaluru-based social worker, identified as St. Broseph, recently took to social media platform X to narrate a troubling incident involving the Kengeri police.

In a series of posts dated Wednesday, May 15, St. Broseph recounted an encounter where his attempt to help a victim was allegedly met with implicit threats from law enforcers.

According to St. Broseph's account, he and a group visited the Assistant Commissioner of Police's office in Kengeri Gate to address a case concerning stalking, voyeurism, and threats.

However, shortly after their visit, a post from the handle @AcpKengeri surfaced on X, cautioning against 'unusual actions' and advising against discussing police matters on the platform, as reported by SouthFirst.

In response, St. Broseph emphasised his constitutional right to freedom of expression and stressed the importance of police cooperation in safeguarding witnesses and victims. Expressing disappointment at the police's reaction, he advocated a constructive dialogue instead of intimidation tactics.

Tension escalated during a subsequent visit to Kengeri Police Station, where the Inspector purportedly opposed a witness's request for anonymity, despite legal provisions for witness protection. St. Broseph expressed concern about the Inspector's refusal and questioned the legality of such actions.

St. Broseph conveyed, "My constitutional right to express myself is guaranteed. I'm not commenting on your investigation but on our experience, which even @CPBlr sir encourages us to do."

He underscored the necessity for police to prioritise the safety of witnesses and victims. Allegations surfaced that Inspector Kotresh of Kengeri Police Station dismissed requests for witness protection measures, insisting solely on his decisions.

Another witness corroborated St. Broseph's account, highlighting the Inspector's dismissal of legal considerations and assertion of authority.

St. Broseph criticised the requirement for Aadhaar card addresses in witness statements and condemned the Inspector's behaviour as unprofessional. Subsequently, an unauthorised post on X was deleted, leading to the reprimand of the responsible individual.

St. Broseph's posts garnered attention from higher authorities, prompting his outreach to the DGP, City Police Commissioner, and DCP West for intervention.