'Keep The Body, Do Whatever You Can': UP Cop Lashes Out At Family Protesting 'Custodial Death' In Lakhimpur Kheri
Ramchandra allegedly died after he was wrongfully arrested by the police in the woods, where he had gone to collect firewood. His family has demanded Rs 30 lakh as compensation.
A senior police officer denied compensation to the family members of a man who allegedly died in police custody and told them to do whatever they can as he refused to take action against the cops. The man was arrested on charges of illicit liquor manufacturing in Lakhimpur Kheri district in Uttar Pradesh. The video of the conversation between the senior police officer and the family members has gone viral and was even shared by former UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on his social media account.
"No action will be taken against any police personnel, nor will you get any compensation. Do whatever you can," Lakhimpur DSP PP Singh can be heard telling the bereaved family members. He further says, "Keep the body with you for as many days as possible. Do whatever you can" as he angrily stages a walk out.
Sharing the clip on X, Akhilesh Yadav took a jibe at the BJP-led government in the state. "BJP is a heartless party," the Samajwadi Party chief tweeted.
भाजपा हृदयहीन पार्टी है। pic.twitter.com/ffI98Sbsds
— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) January 8, 2025
The deceased man, identified as 35-year-old Ramchandra allegedly died after he was arrested by the police in the woods. He had gone to collect firewood, but was wrongfully held after police believed he was with some men who were allegedly making liquor there.
Ramchandra's family said that he reportedly pleaded with the police, saying he was not involved in the crime, but the police did not believe him. When his health deteriorated in police custody, he was dropped midway at a health centre where he passed away, India Today reported.
Family Stages Protest Over Death, Demands Rs 30 Lakh Compensation
Following his death, Ramchandra's relatives protested at the health centre and alleged that he had died in police custody. They also demanded action against the cops. As the situation aggravated, police lathi-charged the family members and other villagers who had also joined the protest.
However, they refused to perform him last rites and demanded a compensation of Rs 30 lakh. The family also alleged that the police forcibly took Ramchandra's body from the health centre to Lakhimpur for post-mortem.
DSP PP Singh reached the police station and told the protesters that the man had not died in police custody but had instead collapsed. He also asked the family to take the body.
According to Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Pawan Gautam, Ramchandra alias Laalta started running when police raided the forest and fell unconscious.
The allegations being made by his relatives are being investigated. ASP Gautam said that further action will be taken only after the post-mortem report is out.
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