A Dalit man was allegedly beaten to death by Jharkhand Police on the occasion of Holi celebration after he sprinkled colour on a Chowkidar in the range of Satgawan Police Station in Koderama district of Jharkhand.
The victim, Pradeep Chaudhary, was 55 years old. He is survived by his wife and six kids.
According to local media reports, there was an altercation with a chowkidar when members of the Dalit Samaj were playing Holi and some colour was sprinkled on the chowkidar. The chowkidar took offence to being sprinkled with colour and contacted the local police station. Pradeep Chaudhary was beaten up by the police on the spot and he fell down and hit his head which led to him losing consciousness.
Chaudary’s wife Jashna Devi told media that he was taken to hospital by police and after the treatment, he was taken back to police station and was beaten up severely.
Jashna Devi also alleged that the police used a caste-based slur against them and treated them roughly and asked them to go away from the station.
The victim was released on the next day. The blood clot injuries on Chaudhary’s body indicated that he was thrashed up heavily by the police. The victim’s health condition kept deteriorating due to the torture.
Chaudhary was first taken to the local Satgawan hospital and then to the Koderma district hospital. Later, when he was being shifted to Ranchi hospital, he succumbed to his injuries on the way.
Jashna Devi approached the nearest SC/ST station demanding a proper inquiry into the death of her husband. But, she was turned down.
Meanwhile, the SP had reportedly stated that there will be a proper inquiry on the incident.
