Dalit activist and member of People's Watch, Mr. Vasanth arbitrarily arrested on 8 March 2007 has been released on bail facing charges under Section 353 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). He was seriously assaulted by five policemen whilst in custody in Madikeri, Karnataka State, India. On 8 March 2007, Mr. Vasanth telephoned the Executive Director of SICHREM, to inform him that he was in Madikeri Town Police station where he had gone to gather some information on an alleged torture case. While at the police station he reportedly witnessed two individuals being tortured by members of the police. He enquired to the police as to why this was happening and as a result was himself arrested. He was transferred to Madikeri District jail later that day. At around six o'clock that evening the State Program Coordinator of SICHREM, contacted the police station and spoke with the Head Constable who informed him that Mr. Vasanth had been taken to the hospital for a medical check up. 
