Daijiworld Media Network - Badaun

Badaun, Aug 29: A 28-year-old man died after his health reportedly deteriorated while he was in police custody in Uttar Pradesh's Badaun district on Friday, with his family alleging police wrongdoing.

The police, however, said a post-mortem examination found cardiac arrest to be the cause of death and that there were no injury marks on his body.

The deceased, identified as Rajesh, had been taken to the Dataganj police station for questioning following a clash between two groups during a community feast at Atsena village on Thursday, police said.

Senior Superintendent of Police Ankita Sharma said one of the groups had suffered significant injuries and its members were sent to hospital, while Rajesh was booked for breach of peace.

According to the SSP, Rajesh went to the police station's toilet at around 4 pm on Friday. He suddenly collapsed after returning from the toilet.

Police personnel immediately took him to the Dataganj Community Health Centre, from where he was referred to the Badaun district hospital. He died while undergoing treatment later in the evening.

CHC doctor Ritesh Bhasin said Rajesh was brought to the facility with breathing difficulties and was in a serious condition.

"There were no injury marks on his body," Bhasin said.

Rajesh's family, however, alleged that he had already died at the police station and accused police of failing to provide proper information to the hospital or send a family member along with him.

Police said CCTV footage from the station showed Rajesh lying on the floor before sitting up and walking to the toilet. According to the police, he collapsed shortly after returning, following which personnel rushed to his assistance and took him to hospital.

The SSP said a panel conducted the post-mortem examination and concluded that cardiac arrest was the cause of death. She reiterated that no injury marks were found on the body.

"The CCTV footage makes it clear that there was no assault or torture," Sharma said.

She added that an impartial inquiry would be conducted by a competent officer and assured that strict action would be taken if anyone was found responsible for any wrongdoing.