FIR Registered After Court Intervention in Ambedkar Nagar Jail Death Case
In a significant development, an FIR was registered on Thursday, nearly 11 months after the death of a man in jail in Ambedkar Nagar district, following intervention by a local court. The case highlights delays in legal proceedings and raises serious questions about custodial safety and accountability.
Details of the Incident and Arrest
Ajay Kumar, a 38-year-old resident of Atraula village in the district, allegedly died in jail on March 30, 2025. According to his mother Shiv Kumari, the incident stemmed from an argument over the phone with one Anil Kumar on the night of March 28, 2025. The conversation was reportedly recorded and made viral by Anil Kumar, leading to police action.
Based on this recording, police from Mahrua police station picked up Ajay Kumar on March 29, 2025, around 3 pm. He was produced before an SDM's court in Bhiti the same day and sent to judicial custody, setting the stage for the tragic events that followed.
Family's Account and Delayed Response
Shiv Kumari recounted that on March 30, 2025, she received information from jail authorities that her son had fallen ill and was admitted to the district hospital. When the family reached the hospital, they were initially unable to locate him. Later, police informed them that the body was kept in the mortuary.
The next morning, on March 31, 2025, when the family saw the body, they found serious injury marks. Shiv Kumari also cited the autopsy report in her complaints. Despite submitting complaints to the then circle officer in Akbarpur and later to the SP via registered post on April 11, 2025, no FIR was registered initially, prompting the court's involvement.
Court Order and FIR Registration
Acting on a court order, police finally lodged an FIR against multiple individuals. The accused include the then SHO of Mahrua, cops involved in Ajay Kumar's arrest, the then jail superintendent, and a local individual. All were booked on charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
The FIR was registered after the court took cognisance of the delay and directed police to initiate legal proceedings. This move underscores the judiciary's role in ensuring justice in cases where administrative lapses occur.
Implications and Broader Context
This case sheds light on systemic issues within the criminal justice system, including delays in filing FIRs and potential negligence in custodial care. It raises concerns about the treatment of detainees and the need for stricter oversight to prevent such incidents in the future.
The registration of the FIR after nearly a year marks a crucial step towards accountability, but it also highlights the challenges families face in seeking justice. As legal proceedings unfold, this case will be closely watched for its impact on police and jail administration reforms.
