Custodial Death Rocks Chhattisgarh: Probe Ordered Amid Torture Allegations
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A 19-year-old accused in a high-profile jewellery shop theft case has died while in police custody in Chhattisgarh's Balrampur district. Umesh Singh, a resident of Nakna village, was among nine people arrested after a theft at a jewellery shop on October 30-31. The police have recovered most of the stolen valuables worth ₹50 lakh. According to officials, Singh's condition deteriorated on November 9 while he was being brought to Balrampur police station for questioning. He was admitted to the district hospital but died during treatment. The police have denied allegations of torture, citing a pre-existing medical condition - sickle cell disease - and multiple hospital admissions in the past year. However, Singh's family has disputed this, claiming he was brutally beaten by the police and demanding stern action against those responsible. Following the custodial death, four police personnel have been transferred to the reserve centre in Balrampur. A judicial probe has been ordered, and the autopsy report is expected to shed light on the exact cause of Singh's death. The incident has sparked outrage, with Singh's family protesting outside the hospital, refusing to accept his body until strict action is taken. The police have assured that further action will be taken once the post-mortem and probe reports are received.
