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Custodial killing in Rajouri sparks violent protests
At least 20 persons were injured at Rajouri when locals held violent protests, reports Sham Sood.
At least 20 persons including 13 police personnel were injured at Rajouri on Wednesday when locals held violent protests over the alleged custodial killing of a 16-year-old boy on Tuesday evening.
The family of the victim blamed police for killing their son. Khalid Hussain, the brother-in-law of Showkat Ali, who was last night picked up by police, suspecting him over the involvement in a Rs 3 lakh burglary case told Hindustan Times, "A police team headed by Station House Office from police station Rajouri Inspector Showkat Malik and investigating officer Gyan Chand picked up our teenager boy from the residence on late Tuesday evening."
He said that police informed them on Wednesday morning that Ali had died due to fits and his body had been shifted to the District Hospital Rajouri for postmortem reports.
Battles of stone pelting started between police and locals of Rajouri soon after people came to know about the alleged custodial killing on Wednesday morning.
While the body of the deceased remained in the mortuary for postmortem reports, more than 5,000 people assembled outside chanting anti-police and anti district administration slogans.
The irate protestors also damaged four ambulances and a government vehicle. Later police cane-charged and fired some rounds in the air to disperse the protestors in which around 20 people including 13 police personnel were injured.
The District Magistrate (DM) of Rajouri, Parvez Ahmed Malik reached the spot and ordered an inquiry in the matter. He also suspended the SHO Showkat Malik and the Investigation Officer in the case, Head Constable Gyan Chand. The DM also formed a three members doctors team for the postmortem reports.
The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rajouri, Farooq Khan told Hindustan Times, "We are waiting for the postmortem report for the further course of action. "Found guilty an First Information Report (FIR) under section 302
Ranbir Panel Code for murder would be registered," the SSP added.
