3 cops held in connection with custodial death

Dehra Dun, Jan 17 (PTI) Three police personnel werearrested in connection with a case of custodial death atBageshwar in Uttarakhand.

Sub-Inspector Chandan Prasad Lodhi and constables NavinJoshi and Mahesh Dangwal were arrested following an FIRagainst them by father of Ritesh Puna alias Rocky (25), thedeceased, yesterday, police today said.

Puna was picked up by the police personnel in connectionwith a case on Saturday. As he did not return home till latein the night, his family members went to Saryu Bagar policepicket to inquire about him. However, they did not get anysatisfactory reply from there.

On Sunday, the family came to know that Puna''s body wasfloating in the river Saryu. The deceased''s father NandanSingh Puna alleged that he was killed by police personnel intheir custody and then his body was thrown in the river.

Later, a large number of local residents gathered at thespot and demanded stern action be taken against the erringpolice personnel. Acting on the FIR filed by Nandan Singh, thepolice registered a case against the three and arrested them.