Controversy surrounds death of cop in post-rape protests

The death of Subhash Tomar may well be the next flashpoint between the Delhi Police and protesters, with the police commissioner saying the 45-year-old constable suffered multiple internal injuries even as doctors said he died of a cardiac arrest. HT reports. Family blame it on 'heartless' protesters | Constable's funeral conducted with full honour

The death of Subhash Chand Tomar may well be the next flashpoint between the Delhi Police and anti-rape protesters, with the police commissioner saying the 45-year-old constable suffered multiple internal injuries even as doctors said he died of a cardiac arrest.

The family said Tomar, who died on Tuesday, two days after he was found unconscious at India Gate as anti-rape protesters fought pitched battles with the police, was beaten up by "hooligans", who stomped on him.

"Public is responsible for this. They beat him up badly. Can they give my father back to me?" said Tomar's son Deepak, rubbishing claims that the policeman had a history of heart disease.

A day earlier, the family had said the policeman didn't carry any injury marks.

When Tomar was brought in, he was in a state of cardiac arrest, said a doctor at Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital, where the constable was being treated for the last two days.

"We did our best to revive him but he gave up this morning," said the doctor, who refused to be identified.

"No injury marks, cuts or bruises were visible on the body."

"Doctors have told us that Tomar sustained internal injuries in his chest, neck and stomach that eventually resulted in his death," Delhi Police chief Neeraj Kumar told media.

Slain Delhi police constable Subhash Tomar being helped by colleagues and protesters after he collapse during anti-rape protests near India Gate. HT photo/Arijit Sen

The funeral procession of Delhi Police constable Subhash Chand Tomar is seen in New Delhi. HT photo