Kala Amb (Sirmaur), June 23:
A custodial death rocked the quiet town of Kala Amb on Sunday after 36-year-old Ajay Kumar, a theft suspect from Haryana, was found hanging inside a police lock-up.
The incident occurred barely 24 hours after he was arrested and sent to police remand by a local court on Saturday.
The police claim it's a case of suicide, but the matter has raised serious concerns over possible custodial negligence.
In an immediate response, two policemen—including a head constable—were suspended, and a magisterial inquiry has been ordered.
Ajay Kumar was allegedly found hanging with a bedsheet inside the lock-up around 3:50 PM. He had been arrested the previous day in connection with a theft case registered in the industrial area.
Officials said that a judicial magistrate visited the site shortly after the incident and took stock of the circumstances.
Police officials stated that the State Human Rights Commission has also been informed, and a detailed investigation is underway to ascertain whether all custodial protocols were followed. The autopsy report is awaited.
The incident has triggered anger and demands for police accountability from civil society groups and human rights activists, especially in light of increasing concerns over custodial treatment in police stations.
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