Rohtak, July 11
The District Magistrate, Mr Anil Malik, has ordered a magisterial inquiry to ascertain the cause of death of 25-year-old Sanjay of Makrauli Kalan village in police custody.

Sanjay was reportedly wanted by the police in the alleged murder of Ram Kumar, a former sarpanch of Kiloi village. He was arrested by the police yesterday from his village.

While on his way to Rohtak, Sanjay started vomiting and was admitted to the local PGIMS where he breathed his last in the wee hours today. The SSP, Mr Attar Singh Ahlawat, said Sanjay consumed celphos tablets after he was taken in custody.

Mr Ahlawat has ordered the suspension of Inspector Mahabir Singh and the policemen who accompanied him for negligence of duty. He said they did not properly frisk Sanjay before arresting him.

Mr Ahlawat said after taking Sanjay in custody, Inspector Mahabir Singh and other policemen went to Chandi village to investigate another complaint. It was at Chandi that Sanjay started vomiting and his condition began to deteriorate, he said.

The police version, however, has been disputed by Zorawar Singh, father of the deceased. He said in the presence of a large number of villagers his son was handed over to the police by the panchayat. The police then thoroughly searched Sanjay in the presence of the villagers and nothing was found on his person.

The District Magistrate constituted a panel of doctors under the Chief Medical Officer to conduct a post-mortem examination, which would be videographed.