Minhaj Ansari, a 22-year-old man from Jharkhand who was arrested last week for sharing an “objectionable” message about beef on WhatsApp, died at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) on Sunday.
Ansari’s family alleges that he was beaten up and tortured in police custody, resulting in his death. The police officers however cited medical records that claim he had been suffering from encephalitis.
The officers have however conceded that there were lapses on the end of the officer-in-charge at the police station who has been suspended and an FIR of murder has been registered against him.
A WhatsApp message that reportedly made an “objectionable” comment about beef was circulated in Ansari’s district.
A few suspects were detained but Ansari was placed under arrest on 3 October. While the officer-in-charge did not check on Ansari’s medical condition, the police denied the allegation that Ansari’s family was not informed of his condition.
A compensation of Rs 2 lakh has been given to Ansari’s family.
Source: The Indian Express
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)