Rajkot: Trouble for eight cops accused in the Mundra custodial death in Kutch increased many folds as another theft accused, who was also allegedly tortured in custody last month, succumbed to injuries at a hospital in Ahmedabad on Saturday.
The deceased identified as Harjog Gadhvi was picked up by cops from Pragpar Patiya on the evening of January 12 on suspicion of theft, along with one Arjan Gadhvi (24). They were allegedly tortured in police custody for over a week before Arjan developed complications on January 19. He died before reaching the government hospital in Mundra town.
According to Bhuj deputy superintendent of police J N Panchal, Harjog was also admitted to Mundra hospital after Arjan passed away. “However, as Harjog’s condition became critical, he was shifted to Ahmedabad where he died on Saturday,” Panchal told TOI.
“Since an offence of murder is already registered against the eight accused cops in the case, a second murder charges will also be added to the offence,” he added.
Interestingly, Harjog’s name was never mentioned in the case, till his death on Saturday.
Till date, police inspector J A Padhiyar, who was at Mundra police station when Arjan from Samaghogha village had died in police custody, and GRD constable Viral Joshi, have been arrested for their involvement in the custodial death case. Six other constables are still at large and efforts are on to nab them, said Panchal.