Man dies after health deteriorates in UP police custody, family alleges foul play

A 28-year-old man died after his health deteriorated while he was in police custody in Uttar Pradesh’s Badaun district, with his family alleging that he died at the police station and blaming the police. Authorities, however, said a post-mortem found cardiac arrest to be the cause of death.

The deceased, identified as Rajesh, had been taken to Dataganj police station for questioning following a clash between two groups during a community feast in Atsena village on Thursday, police said.

Senior Superintendent of Police Ankita Sharma said one side suffered significant injuries and was taken to hospital, while Rajesh was booked for breach of peace.

According to police, Rajesh went to the station toilet around 4 pm on Friday and collapsed shortly after returning. Police personnel rushed him to the Dataganj community health centre, from where he was referred to Badaun district hospital. He died during treatment later that evening.

CHC doctor Ritesh Bhasin said Rajesh was brought in with breathing difficulties and was in a serious condition. He said there were no visible injury marks on his body.

Rajesh’s family, however, alleged that he had already died at the police station and accused the police of failing to provide proper information to the hospital and not sending a family member along with him.

Police said CCTV footage from the station showed Rajesh lying on the floor before sitting up, going to the toilet and collapsing after returning. Personnel were then seen rushing to his aid and taking him to hospital, the SSP said.

Sharma said a panel conducted the post-mortem and found cardiac arrest to be the cause of death, with no injury marks on the body.

“The CCTV footage makes it clear that there was no assault or torture,” she said.

The SSP said an impartial inquiry would be conducted by a competent officer and strict action would follow if anyone was found responsible.