Police Officers Suspended Following Alleged Harassment Leading to Suicide in Kanpur
Incident Overview
In the Sajeti area of Kanpur, two police personnel, including a sub-inspector and a head constable, have been suspended following the alleged police harassment that led to a man's suicide. This information was confirmed by police officials on Tuesday.
Legal Action Initiated
A police officer stated that a First Information Report (FIR) has been filed in connection with the case. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Deependra Nath Chaudhary, the FIR includes charges against sub-inspector Gaurav Shalya, head constable Ravi, the victim's wife Suman, and his father Ramkishore under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.
Victim's Background
The deceased has been identified as Jeet Kumar, also known as Jeetu, a resident of Kotra in the Sajeti area, who was employed at a private firm in Surat, Gujarat. DCP Chaudhary reported that Jeetu had gone to his in-laws' home in Akbarpur, Kanpur Dehat, to bring back his wife Suman after a domestic dispute.
Allegations of Police Misconduct
However, Jeetu's father Ramkishore lodged a complaint against him at the local Kotra police booth. According to DCP, Jeetu was summoned to the police station for a settlement, where he was allegedly harassed by sub-inspector Shalya and head constable Ravi in the presence of his father-in-law. Jeetu was reportedly pressured to pay a bribe of ₹50,000 to resolve the matter.
Tragic Outcome
The police reported that Jeetu managed to arrange ₹20,000 by selling grain but could not provide the full amount. Later that day, he tragically took his own life by hanging himself at home.
Response and Investigation
DCP Chaudhary indicated that preliminary investigations confirmed the allegations against the police officers, leading to their immediate suspension and the filing of the FIR. Jeetu's father, Ramesh, claimed that his son was humiliated and subjected to 'third-degree torture' at the police booth.
Political Reactions
Following the incident, local BJP legislator Saroj Kuril visited Jeetu's home and the Kotra police booth, prompting strong reactions at both political and administrative levels. He directly contacted DCP Chaudhary, resulting in the FIR being filed and disciplinary actions taken against the accused officers.