Custodial Death in Shahjahanpur: Autopsy Points to Heart Attack
An autopsy conducted on Tuesday has revealed that Pradeep, a 40-year-old man accused of raping his minor stepdaughter, died of a heart attack while in police custody in Uttar Pradesh's Shahjahanpur district. The findings contradict initial allegations of custodial violence raised by the victim's family.
Pradeep was brought to the Sidhauli police station on Sunday evening following a complaint lodged by his 17-year-old stepdaughter, who alleged that he had been sexually assaulting her for the past three years. He was taken into custody and placed in the lock-up. Early Monday morning, police found him unconscious and rushed him to a nearby hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.
Autopsy Report Details
The post-mortem examination, conducted by a panel of three doctors at the Shahjahanpur district hospital, determined that the cause of death was a myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack. According to Dr. Rajesh Kumar, one of the doctors on the panel, the autopsy report stated that there were no external injuries or signs of torture on the body. The report also noted that Pradeep had pre-existing cardiac conditions, which may have contributed to the sudden cardiac event.
Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Shahjahanpur, Vikram Singh, confirmed the findings, stating, "The medical report clearly indicates a natural death due to heart failure. There is no evidence of any foul play or custodial violence."
Family Alleges Custodial Violence
However, the victim's family has rejected the autopsy findings, alleging that Pradeep was tortured in custody. The stepdaughter's mother, speaking to reporters, claimed, "He was healthy when he was taken away. The police killed him. We demand a thorough investigation and action against the officers responsible." The family has threatened to file a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) if a fair inquiry is not conducted.
Police officials have denied any wrongdoing, asserting that all procedures were followed during the arrest and detention. Circle Officer (CO) Sidhauli, Ravi Shankar, stated, "The accused was kept in custody as per standard protocols. He complained of chest pain around 4 a.m., and we immediately provided medical assistance. Unfortunately, he could not be saved."
Legal and Procedural Actions
Following the death, a magisterial inquiry has been ordered by the District Magistrate of Shahjahanpur. The investigation will examine the circumstances of the death and whether any negligence or misconduct occurred. The police have also registered a case of unnatural death under Section 174 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
Meanwhile, the rape case against Pradeep will be pursued posthumously, as per legal provisions. The victim, who is now under the care of a shelter home, has been provided with counseling and legal aid. District Probation Officer, Sunita Devi, confirmed that the minor is safe and receiving necessary support.
Broader Implications
This incident has reignited debates around custodial deaths in India, with human rights activists calling for stricter accountability mechanisms. According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), there were 1,779 custodial deaths reported in India between 2017 and 2021, with the majority classified as due to natural causes. However, activists argue that many such deaths involve torture or negligence.
In Uttar Pradesh, the state government has reiterated its commitment to zero tolerance for custodial violence. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's office issued a statement saying, "Any lapse in duty will be dealt with strictly. The magisterial inquiry will ensure transparency and justice."
The case continues to develop as the family awaits the full autopsy report and the findings of the magisterial probe.
