Mangaluru: Popular Front of India (PFI came down heavily on the police department for unleashing lathi charge on its activists during its protest near the city police commissionerate and denied claims that the activists had pelted stones.

Addressing a press meet, Ashraf A K, PFI secretary said, "Police claimed that PFI activists had pelted stones at the cops and the police commissoner's office resulting in injuries to the police personnel, but there is no proper evidence which shows PFI activists pelting stones on the police. Our demand was to seek justice for innocent Ahmed Qureshi who was a victim of atrocities at the hands of CCB police inspector Sunil Naik and Shyam Sundar who illegally arrested Qureshi and assaulted him in an inhuman way. He was kept in illegal confinement from March 21 to 27 and during the period he was tortured resulting in bodily harm. Later he had to be admitted to Wenlock hospital."

"We urge sacking of CCB police Sunil Naik and Shyam Sundar. A criminal case should be filed against them for torturing Ahmed Qureshi. During the lathi charge, over 65 activists were injured. Despite the atrocities on the innocent and the seriousness of the issue, none of the ministers from the district or officers of the district administration has shown any concern on the issue," he added.

On the police's claim that Ahmed Qureshi had stated in the court and to the doctor that he was not tortured by the police, Ashraf said, "Police had told Ahmed Qureshi in advance not to reveal about the torture, and threatened him with encounter. Out of fear, he declined from telling the truth in the court and to the doctor."