PRD jawan found dead in Dehradun police station lockup, inquiry ordered

Dehradun Lockup Death Sparks Outcry, Family Alleges Foul Play Against Police

Dehradun, Uttarakhand – The quiet of Dehradun has been shattered by a deeply disturbing incident at the Nehru Colony Police Station, where a Provincial Raksha Dal (PRD) jawan, Sandeep Kumar, was found dead in a lockup. The tragic event, which unfolded on the morning of April 7, 2024, has ignited widespread suspicion and fervent demands for justice from Kumar’s grieving family, who categorically allege foul play and custodial torture at the hands of police personnel. Omni 360 News is closely monitoring this developing story, highlighting the critical need for transparency and accountability.

The incident has cast a long shadow over local law enforcement, raising uncomfortable questions about police conduct and the safety of individuals in custody. Sandeep Kumar, a resident of Ghorabarao village in Kashipur, Udham Singh Nagar, was reportedly arrested on the night of April 6, 2024, for allegedly causing a disturbance while under the influence of alcohol. Just hours later, he was declared dead, with police citing suicide as the cause.

However, this official narrative has been met with fierce disbelief and outrage by Kumar’s family. Relatives, local community members, and concerned citizens have staged protests, blocking roads and vociferously demanding a thorough investigation and stringent action against the police officials involved. Their primary contention revolves around alleged visible injury marks on Sandeep Kumar’s body, which they claim are inconsistent with suicide and strongly suggest physical assault and torture before his death. The family has unequivocally stated their belief that Sandeep was murdered, not by his own hand, but due to police brutality.

“My brother was perfectly fine when they took him away,” a distraught family member shared with local reporters, tears streaming down their face. “How can someone just die like this in police custody? We saw the marks on his body. This is not suicide; this is murder, and the police are responsible.” These sentiments echo through the community, fueling a collective demand for answers and an unbiased probe.

In response to the escalating public pressure and the gravity of the allegations, authorities have initiated several measures. District Magistrate Sonika has promptly ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident, aiming to ascertain the true circumstances surrounding Sandeep Kumar’s death. Furthermore, a judicial inquiry has also been constituted, underscoring the seriousness with which the higher administration is viewing the matter.

Significantly, an First Information Report (FIR) has been registered under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code, which pertains to murder, against unknown individuals. This critical step acknowledges the family’s accusations and opens the door for a comprehensive criminal investigation rather than simply accepting the initial police report.

Adding to the immediate fallout, three police personnel from the Nehru Colony Police Station have been suspended pending the outcome of the inquiry. This includes the Station House Officer (SHO) Rakesh Maudgil, and constables Himanshu and Harish. While these suspensions are procedural and do not imply guilt, they signify an acknowledgment of potential lapses in duty and the need for accountability within the police force during such sensitive incidents.

Key Takeaways:

* The death of PRD jawan Sandeep Kumar in Dehradun’s Nehru Colony police lockup has led to allegations of murder and custodial torture by his family.
* The family points to injury marks on the body, refuting the police claim of suicide.
* A murder FIR (IPC 302) has been registered, and both magisterial and judicial inquiries are underway.
* Three police personnel, including the SHO, have been suspended.
* This incident underscores the urgent need for robust oversight and transparency in police custody procedures.

The call for justice for Sandeep Kumar resonates deeply within the community, highlighting a critical concern about the treatment of individuals in police custody. Such incidents erode public trust and necessitate unwavering commitment from authorities to conduct fair, impartial, and swift investigations. The ongoing inquiries will be crucial in uncovering the full truth behind Sandeep Kumar’s untimely death and ensuring that justice is not only done but is also seen to be done, providing solace to a grieving family and restoring faith in the system. The focus now shifts to the integrity of these investigations and the actions that will follow, as the public waits for clarity on what truly transpired behind the lockup doors at the Nehru Colony Police Station.