Alwar lynching: Home min says it was custodial death

ALWAR: Three days after 31-year-old Rakbar Khan was killed in Alwar while taking cows to his village, Rajasthan home minister Gulab Chand Kataria on Tuesday claimed that it was “a custodial death” and the state government has already ordered a judicial probe of the incident.

Kataria visited the crime spot on Tuesday and met senior district officials, including those from the threemember committee formed by the state government to look into “police’s role” in the death of Khan, who was lynched by cow vigilantes on Saturday. “We have ordered a magisterial probe into the matter. The chief judicial magistrate, Alwar, will now probe the matter. The family of Rakbar Khan will be given an ex-gratia of Rs 1.25 lakh,” Kataria told reporters.

Stern action will be taken if any policeman found guilty: Kataria

Kataria said local police was at fault for the alleged three-hour delay in taking Khan to hospital. “It was the responsibility of the policemen, including the then SHO Mohan Singh of Ramgarh police station, to first take the injured to the hospital. This is the reason why the SHO was suspended and three other policemen were sent to the lines,” he added.

The minister said Khan was taken to hospital in an injured condition and was declared brought dead. “Prima facie it appears to be a custodial death, thus a judicial probe has been ordered.”

On whether the victim was thrashed by police, he said, “Whatever has taken place would be brought to fore by fair investigation. If any policeman is found responsible stern action will be taken.”

Asked why no action was being taken against the police station since he has admitted to custodial death of Khan, Kataria said, “I admit that the policemen were at fault as they were supposed to take the injured to the hospital. A probe by the highlevel committee of the police has also been commenced. Let’s wait for its report for more action.”

Khan’s brother Haroon said, “We met the minister and urged him to take action against those responsible for my brother’s death. We have also demanded financial aid and a government job.”