Man dies after late-night questioning in Bulandshahr: Officials say it was cardiac arrest, kin allege police brutality

Said Bajrang Bali, Superintendent of Police (Rural), Bulandshahr, “This is routine police work, we keep verifying people who are habitual offenders and have been jailed several times in cases like robbery, cow slaughter etc. In this connection, police had reached the village around 3 am. The team knocked on Saleem’s door and he was asked to (lead us) to a person’s house. He was accompanying the police. Suddenly, he staggered and fell to the ground. Later, he was admitted to the nearest government hospital where he was declared dead.”

He further said a post-mortem was conducted with a panel of doctors and it was videographed. “The whole incident has been recorded on CCTV. It is clear the police did not beat the man and he suddenly fell. The autopsy report says he died of a cardiac arrest. This is an unfortunate incident, but police do not have anything to do with this,” said Bali.

Police further said they have not received any complaint from the family. However, the SP said the family had protested against the police and levelled allegations of brutality.

“We had even asked the family to name one of their doctors in the post-mortem panel for their satisfaction. A police team has gone to talk to the family. There is no point in registering an FIR because no foul play has been found,” said SP Bali.

A few videos also went viral on social media where villagers were seen protesting in front of police officers while condemning their actions. They had also blocked the Jahangirabad road with the body. Senior officers, including the SP and CO among others, then reached the spot.

Former Chief Minister of UP Akhilesh Yadav also questioned police in the case. “The allegations being leveled against the Uttar Pradesh Police regarding the arrest of a person… in Bulandshahr and the subsequent death of that person are very serious. Police should give immediate clarification otherwise the public’s suspicion will be confirmed and this will make law and order in Uttar Pradesh worse,” said Yadav on X.