PRD Personnel Dies in Police Custody in Dehradun, Autopsy Conducted with Videography
In a tragic incident in Dehradun, a 42-year-old Prantiya Rakshak Dal (PRD) personnel died allegedly by suicide while in police custody at the Raipur police station lock-up on Saturday. The case has prompted swift action from authorities, with an autopsy conducted on Sunday by a panel of doctors, adhering strictly to legal protocols for custodial deaths, including videography of the procedure.
Internal Inquiry and Magisterial Probe Initiated
Dehradun SP (Rural-Rishikesh), Jaya Baluni, who is leading the internal inquiry ordered by Dehradun SSP Pramendra Dobal, confirmed the developments to the media. She stated that the exact cause of death and other critical details will be determined once the post-mortem report is received. Baluni emphasized that the police have formally written to the Dehradun district magistrate, informing him of the case and the necessity for a magisterial inquiry, as mandated by law in such custodial death incidents.
"It is the district magistrate's prerogative to appoint a magistrate for the probe," Baluni said, adding that preliminary findings from the internal investigation indicate the incident occurred between 6:30 PM and 6:50 PM on Saturday.
Details of the Incident and Immediate Response
According to police accounts, Sunil Raturi, the deceased PRD personnel, was found hanging by a police staff member during a routine lock-up patrol at 6:50 PM. The staff member immediately alerted colleagues, and Raturi was brought down and rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was declared dead upon arrival. Raturi had been arrested earlier for allegedly creating a disturbance in an inebriated state at a petrol pump in the city and was posted in the youth welfare department office.
Baluni assured that a thorough investigation will be carried out by a magistrate, following standard procedures for custodial deaths to ensure transparency and accountability.
Police Suspensions and Disciplinary Actions
In a related development, SSP Dobal has taken disciplinary action by suspending a Sub-Inspector (SI) from the Dalanwala police station, who was deployed at the Raipur police station at the time of the incident. The SSP's office stated that "during his deployment, his conduct was found to be unprofessional," leading to his immediate suspension.
Earlier on Saturday, following the alleged suicide, the SSP had already attached the Raipur police station SHO and three other staff members to the police lines, pending further investigation. These steps underscore the seriousness with which the authorities are treating the case, aiming to maintain public trust and uphold legal standards in custodial matters.
The incident has raised concerns about police procedures and custodial safety, with the magisterial inquiry expected to provide more clarity on the circumstances surrounding Raturi's death. As the investigation progresses, authorities are committed to following all legal norms to ensure justice and prevent such occurrences in the future.
