Chhattisgarh Suspends ASP Vikas Kumar in Custodial Death Case

The Chhattisgarh government has suspended the Indian trainee Police Service Officer, Vikas Kumar, who was serving as the Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in Kabirdham district. He was removed from his position following the custodial death of a Prashant Sahu, aged 27.

Sahu was detained among 68 individuals involved in a lynching case of a BJP Deputy Sarpanch on Sunday, September 15, 2024, in Kabirdham district. On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, he was found in a deteriorated condition in the prison. Sahu was taken to the hospital, where he was declared dead.

Following his death, the former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel accused the police of severe torture leading to his death.

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CM Vijay Sharma Announces Suspension of Vikas Kumar

In response to this, Vijay Sharma, Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister of Chhattisgarh, announced the suspension of ASP Vikas Kumar. He also visited the spot and accused the police of negligence.

CM Vijay Sharma further also announced assistance of Rs 10 lakh to his family. “On the orders of CM Vishnu Deo Sai, Kabirdhan ASP Vikas Kumar has been suspended following the death of Prashant Sahu. The CM has also announced assistance of Rs 10 lakh for his family,” he said in a statement.

Further, while speaking to the reports, the CM said that prison death is a matter of investigation. “On Tuesday, Prashant was taken to the hospital for an examination during which his hand was X-rayed. The doctors said the reports were normal. On Wednesday, after his death, the injury marks were found on his body. His viscera samples have been sent for forensic examination, and its report is awaited,” he added.

The opposition leader in Chhattisgarh named Charandas Mahant, alleged that Prashant died due to beating and torture in police custody.

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Meanwhile, as per senior police officer, Prashant Sahu complained of uneasiness on Tuesday. He was then taken to the local hospital for treatment, and the next day he collapsed and died.

Why was Prashant Sahu Arrested?

On Sunday, officers from Kabirdham’s Rengakar Police station detained Prashant Sahu along with others after deputy Sarpanch Ragunath Sahu and his family members were attacked by people. Prashant Sahu, who was also suspected in the alleged suicide case of another villager named, Kachru Sahu, was arrested and held in judicial custody.

Reportedly, Kachru Sahu was found hanging in Biijatola Village in Madhya Pradesh. His death led to a series of incidents, including the lynching of deputy Sarpanch. He was held by villagers for Kachru’s death. The chain of events resulted in the arrest and custodial death of Prashant Sahu.