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Journalism of Courage
A 30-year-old man, Manjit Singh, died of a gunshot wound while in police custody at Gharinda Police Station late Wednesday night, sparking allegations of foul play. The police claim he shot himself with his licensed pistol, but his family has dismissed this as a cover-up, accusing officers of murder.
Manjit Singh, a health club operator from Khasa village, was detained earlier that day along with his friend Paramjit Singh Pamma, a confectioner, on suspicion of drug trafficking. According to the family, police denied them access to the detainees throughout the day, only to inform them late at night that Manjit had died.
Devinder Singh, Manjit’s brother, categorically rejected the suicide claim. “My brother was not involved in any illegal activities, nor would he take his own life. This is a conspiracy by the police,” he alleged, adding that he saw blood near a white Scorpio vehicle parked at the station.
Manjit’s family described him as a married man dedicated to guiding youth away from drugs. They demanded the suspension and prosecution of the officers involved, insisting that his death be treated as a custodial murder.
The police, however, maintain that Manjit Singh used his licensed firearm to end his life while in custody. DSP Lakhwinder Singh Klair said the youth was detained following a tip-off and preliminary investigations suggest suicide. He confirmed the pistol was licensed and stated that a judicial inquiry is underway.
The incident has led to widespread outrage, with villagers gathering outside Gharinda Police Station to demand justice for Manjit Singh.
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