PHAGWARA: A tense atmosphere prevailed in Sultanpur Lodhi on Saturday after a 25-year-old youth allegedly died under mysterious circumstances while in police custody. The incident has sparked outrage among locals, with the family accusing the police of custodial torture and demanding a thorough investigation.
According to official sources, the deceased, identified as Veerpal Singh (25), a resident of village Maseetan in Kapurthala district, was taken into custody by Sultanpur Lodhi police for questioning in connection with a separate case involving the recent death of a sarpanch’s son. The police had reportedly detained a few suspects based on CCTV footage related to that case.
Veerpal Singh was reportedly brought to the Civil Hospital, Sultanpur Lodhi, by police officials on Friday, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. The body was later shifted to the hospital mortuary for post-mortem examination.
Family members of the deceased have alleged that Veerpal was beaten to death in custody at the behest of the village sarpanch. “The police, under pressure from the sarpanch, brutally assaulted my brother. He was healthy when they took him away, and now they are handing us his dead body, ” alleged the victim’s brother while speaking to reporters outside the hospital. He further claimed that the police administered intoxicating substances to Veerpal during interrogation.
Following the incident, family members and villagers staged a protest outside the Civil Hospital, demanding immediate action against the police personnel involved. The protestors blocked the hospital entrance for several hours, calling for the registration of a murder case and a judicial inquiry into the death.
Responding to the growing tension, Kapurthala Superintendent of Police (Detective) Prabhjot Singh Virk visited the site and assured the family that a fair and transparent investigation would be conducted. “The matter is being taken very seriously. A detailed inquiry has been initiated, and appropriate legal action will follow based on the post-mortem report and investigation findings, ” Virk told the media.
The body has been preserved for post-mortem examination, which will be conducted under videography as per custodial death protocol.
The case has once again raised serious questions about custodial accountability and human rights safeguards in Punjab’s policing system. Rights groups and opposition leaders are expected to seek a high-level probe once the initial inquiry findings are made public.
Meanwhile, heavy police deployment has been made around Sultanpur Lodhi to prevent any untoward incidents as tensions remain high in the area.