A 20-year-old accused from Uttar Pradesh, arrested in a case involving sexual assault on a minor, allegedly died by suicide inside the lock-up of Jaripatka Police Station, triggering serious questions over police vigilance. The incident has caused a stir in police circles, with the Crime Investigation Department (CID) initiating a probe.
The deceased was identified as Nagendrakumar Ramji Bhatia (20), a resident of Handiya in Prayagraj district. Police said he had come in contact with a minor girl from the Jaripatka area through Instagram, allegedly lured her by promising marriage and later persuaded her to elope. After the girl went missing, her family lodged a complaint, following which police registered a kidnapping case and launched a search.
During the investigation, the girl was traced to Prayagraj. With the help of local police, Nagendrakumar was arrested and the minor was safely handed over to her family. The accused was produced before a court on Wednesday and remanded to two days’ police custody. Due to the cold, he was provided a blanket in the lock-up.
In the early hours, when supervision was reportedly minimal, Nagendrakumar allegedly tore the blanket, used a container from the toilet to climb up, tied the cloth to the iron rods of the lock-up and hanged himself. He was later found hanging by police staff, following which senior officers were alerted.
The lapse has raised concerns over custodial monitoring. The CID has seized CCTV footage, station diary entries and other records.
Meanwhile, the accused’s parents reached Nagpur. His mother reportedly collapsed on learning of his death, while his father alleged police negligence and claimed the family was not informed in time. Further investigation is underway.
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