A 23-year-old man, Rohit Rana, who was detained in connection with a theft case, died in police custody at Nirpura village in Baghpat district on Saturday. The incident has led to the immediate suspension of three policemen and the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against them.
Details of the Incident
Rohit Rana was taken to the Bharal police outpost on Friday evening for questioning regarding thefts at seven tube wells in the area. According to family members, they were denied access to meet him when they visited the outpost on Saturday afternoon.
Around 4 pm on Saturday, the outpost in-charge, Suresh Kumar, along with two constables, discovered Rohit hanging from a ceiling fan. He was immediately rushed to the Budhana community health centre, where doctors declared him dead upon arrival, confirmed Baghpat Superintendent of Police (SP) Suraj Rai.
Family Allegations and Protests
The family of the deceased has alleged that this was a case of custodial killing. Following the incident, villagers and relatives staged a protest, blocking the Baraut–Muzaffarnagar road. The blockade was later cleared after officials assured them of a thorough inquiry into the matter.
Police Action and Statement
SP Suraj Rai stated, "Prima facie negligence has been found. The outpost in-charge Suresh Kumar and constables Akash Kumar and Aadesh Kumar have been suspended with immediate effect. An FIR under BNS Section 108 (abetment of suicide) has been registered against them."
Police further revealed that Rohit Rana had a criminal record and was previously named in several cases, including murder and charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death is ongoing.
