The death of a 26-year-old undertrial prisoner in Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar district jail has raised serious questions, with the family alleging custodial torture while jail authorities have denied the claims.
Adil, a resident of Kheda Kurtan village in Shamli district, died on Friday after his health reportedly deteriorated inside prison. His family reached the district hospital after getting the news and staged a protest, accusing jail staff of assault and extortion.
Arrested Under POCSO, Died Within Five Days
According to officials, Adil was sent to Muzaffarnagar district jail on June 20 after being produced in court in a case registered under the POCSO Act and rape charges. The complaint was filed by his father-in-law, who accused him of luring and sexually assaulting his minor sister-in-law.
Just five days after being lodged in jail, Adil was shifted to the district hospital when his condition worsened. He later died during treatment.
Family Alleges Torture and Money Demand
Adil’s father, Salim, has accused the jail administration of repeatedly torturing his son during his short stay in prison.
“Every time I met him, he told me he was being beaten and harassed inside the jail,” Salim alleged.
The family also claimed that jail staff demanded ₹10,700 to “cut his number,” an alleged term used for easing prison treatment or avoiding harassment.
Salim said he had to mortgage jewellery from his house to arrange the money.
The family further accused a police officer posted at Kandhla police station of threatening Adil and demanding money before he was sent to jail.
“We thought jail would be safer for him, but he was tortured there too,” a family member said.
Protest at District Hospital
After Adil’s death, his relatives gathered at the district hospital and staged a sit-in protest, demanding action against jail officials.
Adil’s uncle, Inam, repeated the allegations, claiming the beating started because the family failed to pay money initially.
He said Adil’s health had already worsened by the time his brother paid the amount.
Jail Administration Rejects Allegations
Jail Superintendent Abhishek Chaudhary and Jailer Neeraj Srivastava denied all allegations of torture.
Srivastava said Adil had complained of stomach pain on June 24 and was admitted to the prison hospital the same day.
“The allegations of beating or assault are completely baseless. He was under medical care after complaining of illness,” he said.
Officials added that the exact cause of death would be clear only after the post-mortem report.
Police have sent the body for post-mortem and said further action will depend on the findings.
