NEW DELHI: A suspect in a vehicle theft case died after allegedly jumping off the first floor of Lodhi Colony police station in south Delhi early on Sunday.
A probe has been ordered and a magisterial inquiry has also been initiated. The cops inquiring the incident suspect that Dharambir (45) was trying to escape when the investigating officer went to the bathroom during questioning but fell on his head. The family has alleged foul play. Dharambir succumbed to the injuries in a hospital.
Three policemen, including an assistant sub-inspector, have been sent to the district lines pending the inquiry. Vijay, the ASI who was the investigating officer, has been suspended for negligence.
According to police, the car theft case was reported from Block 23 in Lodhi Colony on October 22. “During the examination of CCTV footage, it was seen that the accused people had come in an autorickshaw. The details of its registration number were obtained and the owner was traced,” said an officer.
The owner told the cops that his father, Dharambir, had rented out the auto to two people. Dharambir, who was asked to join the investigation, led police to auto driver Satish and his associate Ghewar, who has 32 previous cases of vehicle thefts registered against him. Both were arrested.
Police were also checking Dharambir’s role in the theft and called him to the Lodhi Colony police station on Saturday to be confronted with the disclosures of the other two.
Investigations have revealed that the ASI, who was questioning him in a room on the first floor of the police station, went to the bathroom around 2.45am. On returning to the room, Vijay couldn’t find Dharambir and he was soon spotted lying in the central courtyard of the premises. He was immediately taken to AIIMS Trauma Center and the family members were informed. He died during treatment.
“Information has been sent to the chief metropolitan magistrate for the needful action. Disciplinary action has been initiated and ASI Vijay has been suspended,” said a senior officer.
The deceased’s family has alleged foul play. “He told us that he was inside the police station. Later, around 5am, we received a call from police saying that he has committed suicide and was at AIIMS.” The family briefly protested at Jorbagh Metro Station.