Tension spread in Pilakhuwa town, Hapur district of Uttar Pradesh, on Monday morning after a man allegedly died of torture in police lock-up. Three policemen, including the Station House Officer, have been suspended and a magisterial inquiry has been ordered by the District Magistrate.
According to local sources, Pradeep Tomar (30), a resident of Lakhan village, was picked up by police near the Chhajrasi toll plaza on Sunday for questioning in connection with a murder case. They alleged that he was detained when he was travelling with his wife and son. Late in the night, when his condition deteriorated, he was shifted to the G.S. Medical College in Pilakhuwa and then the Meerut Medical College, where he died in the early hours of Monday. A video purportedly showing Tomar’s posterior as completely blue and marks of beating on his arms has gone viral.
‘Died during treatment’
Yesh Veer Singh, Superintendent of Police, Hapur, told The Hindu, “ On August 30, a half-burnt body of a woman was found in the jungle of Lakhan village. She was the wife of Tomar's brother-in-law. During surveillance and investigation, he was found to be a suspect. He developed health complications during questioning and was taken to a local hospital. Later, he was referred to the Meerut Medical College, where he died during treatment.”
As the policemen didn't follow the standard operating procedure and didn’t inform their seniors before taking Tomar into custody, Mr. Singh added, inspector Yogesh Baliyan, chowki in-charge Ajab Singh and constable Manoj have been suspended. “We are waiting for the post-mortem report before taking further action. A departmental inquiry and a magisterial inquiry have been ordered.” He refused to comment on the viral video and the claim of Tomar's son and wife that he was beaten in their presence.
Family members and farmer leaders protested in the Meerut Collectorate, demanding murder charges against policemen involved in the case. The Provincial Armed Constabulary has been deployed in Pilakhuwa and nearby villages.
