Youth dies in police custody

NEW DELHI: In an alleged case of custodial death, a 19-year-old youth arrested for raping a minor and previously  involved in two more similar cases, was found hanging from the ceiling inside the police lock-up in Karawal Nagar police station on Tuesday morning.

The police have suspended three assistant sub-inspectors of police (ASIs) and one sub-inspector in this connection.

As per the police, the deceased, Deepak, 19, was found hanging from the ceiling of the lock-up.

“It is suspected to be a case of suicide,” the police said.

The police rushed the victim to the Guru Tegh Bahadur Hospital, but he was declared brought dead.

The youth was arrested on Monday for harassing and raping a minor girl near his home and was booked under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. He also had pending cases of sexual harassment in 2017 and was on the run.

After he was arrested the next day, Tuesday morning, the youth was seen hanging from the ceiling of the police lock-up. “We informed the Metropolitan Magistrate and an FSL and crime team has been sent for,” said a senior police officer.

Deepak's family members, however, alleged that he was dragged into this case and didn't commit suicide. They have demanded a fair investigation into the matter.

“On Monday, Deepak was arrested in a case after the minor girl's statement was recorded. A non-bailable warrant taken as he was absconding,” the police said.

“The youth was previously involved in three cases and the next day, he was seen hanging, in the lock-up,” they added.