Controversial Death of Theft Suspect in Police Custody Sparks Outrage in West Midnapore
Incident Overview
Representational Image
Kolkata, Sep 14: The suspicious death of a theft suspect while in police custody has raised significant concerns at the Chandrakona police station in West Midnapore district.
Details of the Incident
As reported by local authorities, the individual, who was implicated in a theft case, allegedly attempted suicide by hanging himself in the police station's restroom on Sunday.
Despite being rushed to the hospital, he could not be revived.
Family members of the deceased claim that he was murdered while in custody. The young man resided in the Bageshwarpur area of Chandrakona.
Background of the Accused
Rahul Ruidas, a man in his twenties, had been arrested four days prior to the incident for theft. Following his arrest, he was presented in the Ghatal Sub-district Court, where the judge mandated a four-day police custody.
While detained, Rahul reportedly went to the restroom on Sunday, where he supposedly attempted to take his own life using his pants.
Response from Authorities
Upon hearing commotion from the restroom, police intervened and found him unconscious. He was initially taken to Chandrakona Rural Hospital, but his condition worsened, leading to his transfer to Ghatal Sub-district Hospital, where he ultimately passed away.
Local sources indicate that the young man had a history of drug addiction and was involved in criminal activities, including theft and robbery, a fact acknowledged by his family.
Family's Reaction
In a heart-wrenching statement, Rahul's brother expressed his grief, stating, "My elder brother was killed. One officer claims he hanged himself, while another says he struck his head. The conflicting accounts from the officers are troubling."
The district police have yet to issue an official statement regarding this incident.
Previous Incidents of Custodial Deaths
This incident follows a similar case in August, where Birju Keot, the spouse of a former Trinamool Congress councillor, died in police custody, allegedly due to police brutality. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari acknowledged police negligence in that case, leading to a CID investigation and the suspension of the Investigating Officer.
Additionally, there were reports last week of another custodial death in Bakhrahat, located in the Bishnupur area of South 24 Parganas district.