The Karnataka State Human Rights Commission on Friday took a suo motu cognizance after a Facebook campaign launched by tourists from 26 countries complained of police atrocities on Valentine’s Day.
The complaint, signed by around 82 people, spoke of brazen assault on nearly 200 tourists by “drunk policemen” at a beach in the coastal town of Gokarna. The assault lasted nearly 30 minutes, the complaint said and added that many were injured.
The complaint is accompanied by photos of some of the injured.
The police, however, has defended itself, saying it was a raid against drug trafficking.
“After the Nigerian nationals incident in Goa, we have been doing these raids against drugs. We have arrested one person and recovered 20 grams of drugs,” Pratap Reddy, Inspector General of Police, Western Range said.
The police, however, has also ordered an inquiry into the allegations by the tourists. The Karnataka Home department has said it will take action after the police report is out.
Gokarna is situated 50 kilometres south of Goa in the Uttara Kannada district. It is a popular tourist destination.
