Kota Custodial Death Sparks Outrage: Family Alleges Police Torture, Demands Justice
A tragic custodial death in Kota, Rajasthan, has ignited a firestorm of controversy and grief. The family of a 23-year-old man, Dinesh Saini, who allegedly hanged himself at Indergarh police station on Tuesday evening, is making explosive allegations of severe thrashing and torture by police as the cause of his death. They have demanded the immediate suspension of the entire station staff and compensation of Rs 50 lakh, while steadfastly refusing to allow a postmortem examination until late Wednesday evening.
Details of the Incident and Allegations
The deceased, Dinesh Saini, was a resident of Karwar village. He had reportedly eloped with a minor girl from the area a few days prior and was subsequently arrested from Jaipur. He was held in police custody on charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. According to police accounts, he allegedly hanged himself around 5:30 PM in a room at Indergarh police station.
Police discovered him unconscious and rushed him to a local hospital. Doctors there placed him on oxygen support and referred him by ambulance to a higher medical center in Kota. Tragically, he died en route and was declared brought dead upon arrival at a hospital in Kota.
However, Dinesh's family and community members present a starkly different narrative. They allege that he was kept in police custody illegally for two to three days, during which he was subjected to severe beatings and torture, ultimately resulting in his death at the police station itself. "They demanded suspension of the entire staff of the police station and compensation of Rs 50 lakh to kin," stated Mahaveer Suman, an office bearer of the Mali Samaj organization, who is supporting the family.
Family and Community Protest, Police Response
In the wake of the death, Dinesh's family members, relatives, and members of the Saini community assembled at Indergarh police station on Tuesday night, raising slogans against the police. The protest continued on Wednesday outside the mortuary at the Kota government hospital, where they demonstrated while refusing to consent to a postmortem of the body.
The police response has been marked by a notable silence from senior officers. Bundi Superintendent of Police Rajendra Kumar Meena and Additional SP Uma Sharma did not respond to repeated calls and messages from reporters. Similarly, the mobile phone of Kota Inspector General Rajendra Prasad Goyal remained "unavailable."
Despite the lack of an official press release, reports indicate that Bundi SP Rajendra Kumar Meena has taken some internal action. He has reportedly ordered the entire staff of Indergarh police station to be sent to police lines and has initiated an inquiry into the custodial death. This move suggests the seriousness with which the allegations are being viewed internally, even as official communication remains scant.
Broader Context and Demands
The case highlights ongoing concerns about police conduct and custodial safety in India. The family's refusal to allow a postmortem underscores their deep distrust in the official process and their belief that an independent investigation is necessary to uncover the truth. Their demands are clear and uncompromising:
- Immediate suspension of all staff at Indergarh police station.
- Financial compensation of Rs 50 lakh for the family.
- A thorough and transparent investigation into the alleged torture and death.
As the community mourns and protests, the pressure mounts on Rajasthan police authorities to provide answers and ensure accountability. The outcome of the ordered inquiry and the resolution of the family's demands will be closely watched, as this incident raises critical questions about justice, police accountability, and the protection of rights in custody.
