Assam: Tension Prevails In Lakhimpur After Mobile Phone Theft Accused Dies In Police Custody, 2 Suspended

The incident caused a tense situation, leading to protests in Lakhimpur's Khelmati area.

Tension prevailed in the Khelmati area of Assam's Lakhimpur after a person accused of mobile phone theft died in police custody. According to police officials, two police personnel have been placed under suspension following the incident. The incident caused a tense situation leading to protests in the area, news agency PTI reported, citing officials.

Speaking on the incident, Additional District Commissioner, Lakhimpur, Laba Kumar Deka said, "An investigation into the incident has been started and following the directive of the DGP, the on-duty sentry at the time of the incident and the in-charge of the Khelmati police outpost have been suspended with immediate effect. The departmental inquiry will also be initiated."

According to PTI, the accused was arrested along with four others on charges of mobile phone theft and other electronic gadgets by officials of the Khelmati outpost on Wednesday night.

L K Deka said the accused, who was sitting on a bench inside the police station, suddenly fell down and was immediately rushed to the civil hospital where he was declared “brought dead” by doctors, as reported by PTI. The in-charge of Khelmati Outpost, Dipankar Changmai, and another personnel on duty, have been placed under suspension, the ASP said.

''Since the death happened inside the police station, a departmental inquiry will be conducted by an officer of the rank of ASP,” he further stated.

Huge Crowd Gathered In Protest

A huge crowd had gathered in front of the police station since early morning to protest against the incident, and tension prevailed in the area, with senior police officers rushing to the spot to control the situation, the officials said.

Deka said a magisterial inquest will be ordered into the incident and a panel of doctors will conduct the post-mortem, which will be videographed, to ascertain the exact cause of the death.

In a post on X, Assam Director General of Police G P Singh said, ''Reference death in police custody at Khelmati OP District North Lakhimpur - 1. IC of Khelmati OP has been placed under suspension along with on duty sentry at time of incident. 2. Independent Enquiry has been ordered by Addl SP Biswanath. 3. All mandatory provisions of law & directions of NHRC/AHRC are being followed 4. DIG NR has been directed to proceed to Khelmati immediately”.