Dalit youth found dead in lock-up, inquiry ordered

Barabanki, Aug 31: A Dalit youth, arrested on charge of motorcycle lifting, was found dead in police lock-up in Dewa Kotwali area, with his family alleging that he was tortured in custody.

Police, however, claimed that Subhash Rajvanshi, whose body was found hanging from an iron grill by an inmate in the lock-up last evening, had committed suicide.

The District Magistrate has ordered an inquiry into the case.

A resident of Madiyaon area, Rajvanshi was arrested by police for allegedly stealing a motorcycle and kept in the lock-up last evening, police said.

An inmate Shyamu Rawat said that Rajvanshi went to toilet and later his body was found hanging from an iron grill. The deceased's family alleged that he died due to custodial torture.

Superintendent of Police Abdul Hameed said the youth was arrested on identification by the motorcycle owner and he later committed suicide.

An independent inquiry would be conducted into the incident and action would be taken on its basis, the District Magistrate said.

PTI