New Delhi, October 21
Death of a youth in police custody led to violence in the Punjabi Bagh area in West district today where an irate mob pelted stones, indulged in arson and damaged public properties. At least 25 policemen were injured in the violence.
The youth, Sushil Kumar, was arrested last night from the Madipur area on a charge of gambling. He allegedly died of torture in police custody. As local residents heard of his death they took to the streets and attacked the Madipur police post where the incident took place. They pelted stones at the policemen and set afire a transport bus and a few other vehicles.
The police fired teargas shells and used baton charge to control the mob.
The Joint Commissioner of Police (Southern Range), Mr Satish Chandra, said the youth, had been arrested last night on charges of gambling. He complained of uneasiness and chest pain around 2.30 am and was taken to Maharaja Agrasen Hospital where he died around 3.05 am. Heart attack was said to be the reason behind his death.
However, the residents of the locality alleged that he died due to police excesses and torture. An inquest proceeding is being conducted by the SDM and the body has been sent for a post-mortem examination.
The Commissioner said a Sub-Inspector, a head constable and three constables had been suspended in this regard.
