A 32-year-old man, identified as Uttam Chand, has died after reportedly falling unconscious at the Chakroi police post in the R S Pura sector of Jammu early Wednesday. The incident has sparked significant protests from locals and the deceased’s family, who allege custodial torture and are demanding an impartial investigation and compensation.
Superintendent of Police, headquarters, Anna Sinha, who arrived at the scene to address the agitated protesters, announced that both departmental and magisterial inquiries have been ordered into the death. She assured that any wrongdoing or lapses identified during the probe would result in action in accordance with the law. In the immediate aftermath of the incident, four police personnel stationed at the Chakroi police post were attached to the headquarters, according to official sources. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that Uttam Chand, a resident of Rakh village, was taken from his home in the early hours following a complaint. He was subsequently transported to the Chakroi police post, where he became unconscious. He was then taken to the Sub-district Hospital R S Pura around 4 am. From there, he was referred to Government Medical College Jammu but tragically passed away en route to the hospital. His body has since been moved to a mortuary for a post-mortem examination.
The death has led to a large-scale protest by the family members and relatives of the deceased, who are demanding clear answers regarding the circumstances that led to Chand’s demise and are seeking appropriate legal recourse. Speaking to reporters after attempting to calm the protesters, the SP conveyed assurances to the family that justice would be served. “They have lost their son, and we also feel deeply saddened whenever such an incident occurs. That is why the entire police administration along with the sub-divisional magistrate, has come here to ensure that all proceedings required under law are carried out properly and that justice is served,” the SP stated.
The Superintendent of Police emphasized that the administration would refrain from labeling anyone as guilty or accused until the investigation’s findings emerge. “At this stage, we will not call anyone guilty, an accused, or use any such terminology. A proper departmental inquiry and a magisterial inquiry into the death have already been ordered,” she explained. She further elaborated that statements from the deceased’s family and any witnesses would be meticulously recorded, and every facet of the incident would be thoroughly examined. “If it is found that any wrongdoing or lapses have occurred-whether on the part of police personnel or outsiders-then, as per law, appropriate legal action and punishment will be taken against those responsible,” the SP affirmed, adding that no one would be spared.
The police confirmed that an arrest had been made in connection with the incident. The individual apprehended was the subject of allegations that he had been involved in a scuffle with Chand over an unspecified issue, and he had initially attempted to flee before being taken into custody. “As far as the matter of the physical altercation between the two individuals is concerned, that is what led to the entire incident. Exactly what happened is something we are investigating. It will be established through the inquiry,” the SP said, reiterating that the investigation would be comprehensive. The examination of CCTV footage from the area is also a key component of the ongoing inquiry. Furthermore, a detailed post-mortem examination will be conducted by a medical board comprising approximately five to six doctors, who will submit their findings.
The family of the deceased and local residents have vociferously alleged that policemen began assaulting Chand shortly after he was taken into custody from his residence, terming his death a “custodial killing.” The protesters have put forth several demands, including the constitution of a special investigation team (SIT), a fair and transparent investigation process, videography of the post-mortem procedure, and a compensation of Rs 1 crore for the bereaved family. They have also requested an SPO job for a member of the deceased’s family. The SP indicated that the demands pertaining to compensation and an SPO appointment would be escalated to higher authorities, as these matters fall outside her immediate purview.
Former BJP minister Sham Lal Choudhary, who visited the protest site, described the incident as “unfortunate” and stated that no individual possesses the right to take another person’s life, regardless of the circumstances or the issue at hand. He echoed the calls for an impartial inquiry and strict action against those found culpable.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.