Amritsar youth dies in police custody; family blocks highway, alleges torture

Mystery shrouds the death of a youth in the custody of Jandiala Guru police here today. The incident has triggered a strong protest by the family members, who alleged that he died due to police torture.

The deceased, Harman Singh, was reportedly picked up by the Jandiala police on Saturday evening. He died this morning while in custody. Police officials claimed that his condition deteriorated suddenly, following which he was rushed to a hospital where he passed away.

However, the family rejected the police version, alleging that Harman was perfectly fine until he was taken away from his residence. Accusing the police of torture and foul play, they blocked traffic on the main GT Road and raised slogans against the Punjab Police.

Balwinder Kaur, mother of the deceased, said Harman had been detained for questioning after a quarrel in the village. She added that his paternal uncle had met him while he was in custody last night and he was normal at that time. When the family went to the police station this morning to give him tea, they were informed that he had been taken to the hospital as he had fallen ill.

DSP Ravinder Singh said the exact cause of death would be known after the autopsy. He added that an inquiry had been initiated into the incident.