Jalandhar, February 6
In a blatant violation of human rights, the district police today tortured a Dalit youth to death after he refused to accept his involvement in a theft case. Hundreds of irate residents of Lohian town, about 40 km from here, attacked the police station to register their protest against death of the Dalit due to alleged police torture in custody. The police, including the SHO, fled from the spot. Two police personnel were beaten up by the mob.
According to sources, as soon as the news of the death of Satnam, alias Satta, of Ward No. 7 due to alleged police torture spread in the town, residents here assembled outside the police station and attacked it.
The mob demanded action against the erring police officials.
According to information, SP Opinderjeet Singh Ghuman along with a contingent of police personnel reached the spot after two hours of the incident and tried to pacify the agitating residents.
The sources maintained that the victim was allegedly detained by the Lohian police in a theft case on January 5 and was later released on the same evening. Again, the police picked up Satnam from his residence this morning and allegedly tortured him at the police station. He was severely beaten up and was later released from the custody this evening.
The family members of the victim rushed Satnam to the hospital, where he was declared brought dead. No senior police personnel could be contacted.
Meanwhile, the former Punjab Chief Minister and President of SAD, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, has condemned the incident and demanded judicial probe into the incident.
Talking to The Tribune over phone, Mr Badal alleged that there was jungle raj in the state as the Punjab Chief Minister, Capt Amarinder Singh, had given free hand to the police.
