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Death of Dalit in police custody sparks protests in Uttar Pradesh

By Newsd
Updated on :
Kamal Valmiki (Image: NDTV)

15 police officers have been suspended after a 25-year-old Dalit man was found dead under suspicious circumstances while in police custody. One of the officers is facing murder charges. The incident sparked violent protests in the Chakeri area, Uttar Pradesh, after his family alleged he was tortured to death.

“A custody death is absolutely unacceptable. There is no question of not taking action,” Uttar Pradesh police chief Javed Ahmed said.

Kamal Valmiki was locked up in relation to a burglary case. His brother was questioned as well, but let off. According to his brother, Nirmal, they were beaten with rods, abused and humiliated. “We were beaten as if we were footballs. They said to me, either confess or we will kill your brother.”

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This morning Kamal was found hanging in lock-up. Authorities are questioning how he would have killed himself in the presence of so many cops, and further, how he found a rope. Some of the suspended policemen are missing.

In a further twist to the story, Kamal’s body was sent for a post-mortem under the name ‘Raju Mistry’. Police says this is a mistake. Rajy Misty is a man who is missing, who police were trying to find.

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As the Uttar Pradesh polls are scheduled for next year, the incident has taken a political turn. Dalits form 26% of the state’s electorate. Former chief minister Mayawati has commented on Kamal’s death saying, “A Dalit has died in custody. Only suspending policemen is not enough.”

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