A 44-year-old Dalit labourer died after being taken by police for questioning in Uttar Pradesh’s Ballia district, prompting authorities to register a murder case against two police personnel, a village head and three others.
The case was registered at the Revati police station on the complaint of the victim’s son, Vishal Gond. The accused include Sub-Inspector Sachin Saroj, Constable Ankit Singh, village head Ashutosh Shankar Singh and three local residents. No arrests have been made so far.
Family Alleges Custodial Assault
The victim’s family alleged that Kamji Gond was picked up by police on July 8 to reveal the whereabouts of his 22-year-old son, Vishal Gond, who is an accused in an assault case.
According to Vishal, the police arrived at their home after he was unavailable and took away his father, who was asleep. He alleged that Kamji was taken to a nearby brick kiln, where he was assaulted to force him to disclose his son’s location and persuade him to surrender.
The family further claimed that after Kamji lost consciousness, he was abandoned in a nearby field. Local residents later found him unconscious and informed the family, who rushed him to the hospital. He was referred to a hospital in Varanasi, where he died during treatment.
The family has also alleged that police ignored an earlier complaint related to the dispute that led to the questioning.
Police Deny Assault Allegations
Police have denied the allegations of custodial assault.
According to the Ballia police, Kamji experienced breathing difficulties during questioning. Officers said he was released at around 4 pm on July 8 and handed over to a local resident, who took him home.
Police maintain that there was no assault or abandonment.
The post-mortem examination did not establish the exact cause of death. Doctors have preserved viscera samples for forensic examination, and the final cause of death will depend on the forensic report.
Policemen Suspended, Inquiry Ordered
Ballia Superintendent of Police Omvir Singh said the two police personnel involved in questioning Kamji have been suspended.
The Station House Officer of Revati police station has also been removed from his post pending further inquiry.
A magisterial inquiry has been ordered to examine the circumstances surrounding the labourer’s death.
Protest Over Death
Following Kamji Gond’s death, family members and villagers staged a protest, placing his body on the Ballia–Revati road and demanding strict action against those named in the complaint.
The family initially refused to perform the last rites and agreed only after the police registered a murder case.
Background of the Dispute
According to Vishal Gond, the events began on July 7 following an altercation with a local shopkeeper over a purchase. He alleged that the complaint against him was filed under pressure from the village head and local residents.
Police, however, stated that Vishal is an accused in the assault case and has previously been booked in several criminal cases, including murder.
The investigation is continuing, with the forensic report and findings of the magisterial inquiry expected to play a key role in determining the circumstances of Kamji Gond’s death.
