Man's body languishes as kin allege police torture

AHMEDABAD: The body of a 26-year-old youth has been lying at the Civil Hospital morgue for the past two days as his family members have refused to take possession of it. The family has alleged death due to police beating in custody, and has demanded an inquiry before the last rites are performed.
Govind Chauhan, a resident of Palanpur in Banaskantha district, told TOI that a team of police officials came to the residence of Arvind Chauhan, his nephew, on Wednesday morning and took him for questioning.The family was informed at night that Arvind would have to be taken to the Civil Hospital due to a medical condition.
"Arvind was unconscious when we saw him. The police would not tell us what had happened," said Govind. "His treatment continued till Thursday morning, after which he was declared dead. His body was sent for post-mortem. We have not yet been told the reason for his death. We suspect that he was beaten up by cops."
Sources said that Arvind, a worker at a factory, was named in a case involving the theft of silver ornaments of his girlfriend. Her relatives had given an application of complaint to police.
"Police claimed that Arvind felt uneasy during questioning and had to be taken to a hospital," said Govind. "He was taken to Palanpur Civil Hospital and then to Ahmedabad. How come police did not inform us about the first hospitalization?"
Ashok Kumar Yadav, the superintendent of police, Banakskantha district, told TOI that the case was under scrutiny. "We are awaiting the post-mortem result. Action will be taken against policemen if found guilty," he said.