Teacher’s death in police custody: SIT books 4 UP cops for abetment to suicide

LUCKNOW: The special investigating team (SIT) of UP Police probing the death of a government teacher in police custody in Kannauj in March 2020 has booked four policemen, including the then police station incharge, for abetment to suicide and illegal detention.
The teacher – Anil Kumar – was detained by the police following a complaint by his in-laws. His body was later found hanging in a washroom within the police station compound.
Earlier a probe by Kannauj district police and then by CB CID had given a clean chit to the police. After the family members of Anil took up the issue with senior officials, the matter was referred to the SIT which has now lodged an FIR against four policemen, including police station incharge Tribhuvan Prasad Verma, sub-inspector Vikas Rai , head constable Radheysham and constable Arun Kumar. They have been booked under the charges of abetment to suicide, illegal detention, public servant disobeying law and public servant framing incorrect record.
According to the preliminary investigation, it has come to fore that Tribhuvan Prasad Verma had illegally detained the teacher at the police station and his medical check-up was not done then as per norms. Another accused, head constable Radheysham, who was on night duty on the fateful day was given an application by the victim’s kin requesting the cops not to do any wrong to him. Another accused, constable Arun Kumar, was given the responsibility of taking the victim to the washroom and should have been alert and watchful about his moves.
Moreover, Vikas Rai, who was investigation officer in the case, had filed a closure report in the case despite the result of a viscera examination report being awaited.
According to senior police officials, a deputy superintendent of police-rank officer will now conduct the probe.