Karnataka sand mafia: Tractor owner injured during police firing during escape

Kalaburagi: Saibanna Karjagi, the owner of the tractor responsible for the tragic death of head constable Mayura Chauhan, was injured when the police opened fire after he tried to escape after attacking a police officer on Saturday.

Nelogi police station head constable Mayura Chauhan was killed when a tractor illegally transporting sand ran over him in Narayanapura village of Kalaburagi district on Thursday night.

Police who had arrested the driver of the tractor Siddanna Karjagi, also booked his brother Saibanna Karjagi, the owner of the vehicle. Sources said that Saibanna was also present when the tractor ran over the head constable.

The police team that was searching for him arrested him at Alamela town in Vijayapura district on Saturday.

Yadrami PSI Basavaraj, Jevargi PSI Sangamesh, and ASI Gurubasappa were bringing Saibanna on Saturday. While Saibanna had got down from the vehicle for nature's call, Saibanna attacked PSI Basavaraj and tried to escape.

PSI Sangamesh who was present in the vehicle warned Saibanna not to escape, but when the latter ignored, the officer fired a round at Saibanna's leg.

Saibanna who was injured was admitted to the GIMS. Meanwhile, PSI Basavaraj who was attacked by Siabanna was also rushed to Basaveshwara Hospital for treatment.

Police said that Saibanna is a rowdy-sheeter.