Bengaluru: Congolese national dies in police custody; protest turns violent

Bengaluru: After the alleged custodial death of a 27-year-old Congolese national who had been arrested on charges of a drug-related offence, a protest erupted outside the JC Nagar Police Station, Bengaluru on Monday which turned violent.

Around 20 people from several African countries had raised slogans against police. A protestor assaulted an officer, which resulted in lathi charge.

The 27-year-old African citizen named Joel Malu was earlier arrested by the Bengaluru Police in connection with the drug peddling case. Police had informed that Joel Malu had died a natural death.

Officials said that Joel suddenly started complaining of chest pain and he was immediately shifted to a nearby Chiraayu Hospital for treatment. He was diagnosed with Bradycardia and was administered with several rounds of CPR and other life-saving interventions but died due to a suspected cardiac arrest.

Alleging that this is the case of custodial death of African citizens, the people were seen chanting slogans of ‘Black Lives Matter’ and blocked the traffic with cars, while blaring music.

Police carried out lathi charge to disperse the protesters after they attacked a policeman. Many sustained minor injuries and were taken to the hospital for treatment.