Jhalawar youth dies in police custody, probe ordered

KOTA: A-28-year-old youth, who was arrested under various sections of the Arms Act on Saturday afternoon, died allegedly due to police torture in the lock-up of Khanpur thana in the evening on the same day. The family of the deceased accused the police of beating him to death. Police have lodged a case under Section 176 of the CrPC and launched a probe into the matter. While SHO Kamalchand Meena of the thana has been suspended, the entire staff has been sent to police lines.
The judicial probe has been ordered into the alleged custodial death following a demand from his family. “It's not proven as of now that he died in police custody, as on record, he was not in custody. However, an inquiry under Section 176 of the CrPC by the judicial magistrate is being carried out in the matter,” Jhalawar SP Kiran Kang Sidhu said.
The youth, identified as Rajesh Meena, a resident of Raiger Basti in Khanpur town of Jhalawar district, was taken to a hospital after his condition deteriorated, ASP Jhalawar Rajesh Yadav claimed.
“The youth was an alcoholic and would frequently beat his mother, wife and other members of his family. On Saturday morning, his mother lodged a report against Rajesh. When he was picked up, the police found a sharp weapon on him,” Yadav said.
Meanwhile, family members claimed that the cops had beaten and thrashed him severely. “My brother was in sound health and policemen killed him,” the brother of the deceased claimed.
Family members, accompanied by local BJP MLA Narendra Nagar, staged a protest in Khanpur town demanding a case of murder be lodged against the CI and staff of the police station.
Following rounds of negotiations, family members agreed to the post-mortem after they were assured of suspending the SHO and taking action against two cops allegedly involved in the toruture. A compensation of Rs 5 lakh and facilities under government schemes have also been offered to his 18-month-old daughter.