Ghaziabad custodial death constable suspended probe under way say police

Ghaziabad custodial death constable suspended probe under way say police

No further action against constable till investigation is over, prima facie it is a case of accident: police; family alleges victim was tortured in police custody and he succumbed to his injuries in hospital later; FIR registered under IPC Section 302 against constable and unidentified policemen.

Uttar Pradesh Police has placed a constable under suspension in connection with the mysterious death of 33-year-old Mohammad Dilshad in police custody, Ghaziabad SP (City-I) Nipun Agarwal said on Wednesday.

Mr. Agarwal told The Hindu that constable Neeraj Rathi was placed under suspension following allegations made by Dilshad’s family. While the police earlier claimed that Dilshad, a resident of Makanpur, died in an accident on Monday, his family has alleged he was tortured in police custody and succumbed to his injuries in hospital later.

According to the police, Dilshad was wanted in a molestation case and two policemen were sent to his house on Monday to bring him to the Vijay Nagar police station for questioning.

‘Hit by truck’

“Dilshad was hit by a truck when he stuck his head out of the vehicle’s window to spit while he was being brought to the police station. He was then taken to a hospital, where he was declared dead. We have arrested the truck driver, Hukum Singh, and his helper Praveen Kumar. A case under IPC Sections 304A and 279 have been registered against them,” ACP (Kotwali) Saloni Agarwal said, adding a probe was under way.

“Any further action against the constable will be taken only after the probe is over. Prima facie, it is a case of accident,” the SP said, adding the police have filed an FIR under IPC Section 302 against the constable and unidentified policemen based on a complaint by the deceased’s family.