Two suspended in custodial suicide case

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov 16: Two policemen of the Gazole police station were suspended today in connection with the custodial death of an arrested person in Gazole police station on 14 November. A departmental inquiry has also been initiated in the incident.In addition to suspending sub-inspector R Islam and another policeman R Das of Gazole police station, the department has also initiated an inquiry against the officer in-charge of Gazole police station and two other policemen, said Malda ASP Mr S Sarkar, today. The actions come following the death of one Goutam Rabidas alias Bablu in Gazole police custody on 14 November. The police had summoned Goutam to the police station on 12 November after receiving complaints from his in-laws that he was torturing his wife Rakhi for dowry. Though the police picked up Goutam on Tuesday they suggested the victim's family to settle the matter through discussions and allowed them to hold a conciliatory meeting in their presence at the police station on 14 November. The meeting ended in a stalemate and the complainant refused to accept to accept Goutam, which prompted the police to arrest him.Goutam's physical condition started to deteriorate after the arrest and he was soon found writhing on lock up floor with froth pouring out of his mouth. He was declared dead in the evening. It was learnt that the man had consumed pesticide inside the police lock up and that landed the police in a serious spot.A magistrate inquiry was started into the incident yesterday.