Auto driver dies in police custody

Morung Express News Dimapur | August 3   In what appears to be a suspected instance of custodial death, an auto rickshaw driver passed away at a police station in Dimapur this morning. According to a reliable source, six auto rickshaw drivers were picked up Tuesday night on suspicion in relation to an ongoing investigation. They were kept at the East Police Station.   However, one of them identified as Ramesh Kumar Yadav was found dead this morning. It is suspected to be a case of custodial death. Meanwhile, the Dimapur District Auto Drivers Union (DDADU) gheraoed the police station Wednesday evening demanding justice for the victim. They dispersed after the police assured that some action will be taken by Thursday.  

The DDADU has vehemently condemned the “custodial death” of auto driver, Ramesh Kumar Yadav, who was picked up by the Dimapur Police on Tuesday night.   “It is understood that police can arrest people for criminal activities and subject to thorough interrogation but not to such an extent of torture that someone dies in their custody,” stated K. Hokaito Zhimomi, President of the DDADU in a press release.   The Union demanded an inquiry into the whole incident, which led to the death of Ramesh, and that the responsible persons/police officer be “suspended.”   The police should also pay adequate compensation to the kin of the victim and justice be delivered at the earliest, asserted DDADU.