Four policemen suspended, inquiry ordered into custodial death

Jammu, Feb 18 (UNI) The Jammu and Kashmir Government has suspended four police personnel, including a police post incharge, and ordered a magisterial inquiry in the custodial death of a youth in Jammu, sources said today.

SSP Jammu Mukesh Singh and Deputy Commissioner Hardesh Kumar Singh announced suspension of the chowki officer, Deepak Sharma, head constable Mehmood and two other policemen last evening.

''On the direction of Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, police have arrested four policemen. The government has also announced a compensation of Rs one lakh for the family besides a magisterial inquiry,'' sources said.

Tarsem Lal, son of one Khazan Chand, resident of Makwal, Mandal Phalian, who was jailed for enetring into a minor scuffle with another youth of same village a week ago, was allegedly killed in police custody at Mandal Phalian police post in Satwari Police Station.

Locals yesterday held violent protests, injuring at least six people, including Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Shiv Kumar Chowhan. Police fired several shots in the air to disperse the mob. Additional police force have been deployed in the area.

UNI