Constable's death by sand mafia: Prime accused shot, injured by police

Kalaburagi/Jevargi: The prime accused in the case of the death of a constable, who was mowed down by a tractor used for illegal sand smuggling, was injured in gunfire by police on Saturday.

According to police sources, the owner of the tractor involved Saibanna Karjagi, a rowdy sheeter, had been arrested in the case at Yedrami Alamela in Vijayapura. He was being brought to Kalaburagi from Alamela when the incident took place.

On Saturday afternoon, when the convoy stopped for a nature’s call, Saibanna allegedly attacked the police escort with a knife at Mandevala-Nedalagi and tried to flee. He was shot in the leg by PSI Sangamesha, police sources added.

Yedrami PSI Basavaraja Chittakote sustained injuries in his hands and abdomen in the attack, police sources said.

On Thursday night, constable Mayur had been killed after being mowed down by a tractor used for sand transportation. A case was registered in this regard at Nelogi Police Station.

Sources said that Saibanna Karjagi has an open rowdy sheet at Jewargi police station.