A 53-year-old Muslim man arrested in connection with an alleged passport fraud case died after being sent to jail in Bihar’s Gopalganj district, with his family accusing police and jail authorities of torture, extortion, and medical negligence.
The deceased, Irshad Alam, a resident of Balha village under Barauli police station limits, was arrested after authorities alleged that he had obtained two passports using incorrect information. He was taken into custody on June 2 and sent to Gopalganj district jail on June 4.
Family Alleges Bribery Demand by Police
Speaking to The Observer Post, Irshad’s brother Parvez Alam alleged that Kumari Alka Sinha, Station House Officer (SHO) of Barauli police station, initially demanded ₹5 lakh from the family and later reduced the amount after they expressed their inability to pay.
Parvez further alleged that during his detention, Irshad was repeatedly referred to as a “terrorist” by police officials.
“They kept calling my brother a terrorist. We were asked to arrange money. When we could not meet their demands and instead approached local public representatives for help, the attitude towards him became even more hostile,” Parvez claimed.
Family Alleges Custodial Torture
According to the family, Irshad was detained for two days before being produced before a court and sent to jail. During this period, they allege that he was subjected to physical and mental torture.
Parvez also alleged that the SHO threatened his brother, telling him, “Tumko to theek kar denge” (“We will fix you”), a statement the family believes reflected the intimidation and pressure he faced while in custody.
Family Questions Medical Care in Jail
The family maintains that Irshad was in good health when he was taken into custody and that they were informed about his deteriorating condition only when it had become critical.
“We were told late that his health was worsening. By the time we reached the hospital, he had already died,” Parvez said.
The death has triggered outrage among relatives and local residents, who are demanding accountability from both the police and jail administration.
RJD Leaders Seek Independent Investigation
Local Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leaders have also questioned the circumstances surrounding the death. RJD district president Dilip Singh alleged that Irshad had undergone a medical examination before being sent to jail and was declared fit at the time.
“If he was medically fit when he entered jail, questions must be asked about how his health deteriorated so rapidly. The allegations of custodial torture and negligence deserve an independent investigation,” Singh said.
Magistrate Orders Inquiry Into Death
Following the incident, district authorities ordered a magisterial inquiry. Magistrate Sushant Singh, who visited the hospital as part of the investigation, acknowledged that family members had accused jail authorities of failing to provide adequate medical care.
“The relatives have alleged that he died due to a lack of treatment. The exact cause of death will be established only after the post-mortem report is received,” the magistrate said.
Post-Mortem Underway, Probe Continues
The post-mortem examination is being conducted under official supervision, and authorities have said further action will depend on the findings of the report.
The case has renewed concerns over custodial deaths, allegations of police abuse, and access to healthcare for prisoners in Bihar. Local residents have called for a transparent and independent probe into the allegations raised by the family.
Family Demands Justice
Irshad Alam is survived by his family, who say they will continue to seek justice and accountability for what they describe as a preventable death in custody.
