Bahraich SHO, other cops booked for murder over 55-year-old businessman death in custody

Angered by his death, Ram Gopal’s relatives and local residents staged a protest demanding strict action against the police personnel involved in the incident.

The FIR was filed on a complaint lodged by Ram Gopal’s son, Aniket Srivastava, officials said.

“For a fair and impartial probe, the investigation has been transferred to Kotwali police station in Bahraich. We are still awaiting the post-mortem report of the 55-year-old,” said Circle Officer Pawan Kumar.

Both cases — the one against Ram Gopal and the other registered in connection with his death — are being investigated thoroughly, and that the law and order situation in the area remains under control, he added.

In the complaint, the girl’s father accused Ram Gopal of molesting and raping the child on February 22 and threatening her with serious consequences if she disclosed the incident to anyone. The matter surfaced later when other family members returned and the girl informed them about the alleged incident.

Police officials claimed that Ram Gopal’s health began to deteriorate after he arrived at the police station, following which his nephew was asked to take him to hospital for treatment.

Ram Gopal was taken to the district hospital, where he died during treatment.

In a video, the deceased’s nephew Ayush Srivastva is purportedly heard claiming that the police took Ram Gopal and that the family members later went to the police station to inquire about the reason for taking him. The family members were abused and warned not to come again, he alleged.

Ayush claimed that about an hour later a local resident informed them that Ram Gopal’s condition had worsened. He then rushed to the police station and found him lying there, he said. “Police brought him to my house, which is around 100 metres from the police station, and left. I took him to hospital in my vehicle, where doctors declared him dead. I believe that he was beaten at the police station following which he died. The SHO and other policemen are responsible for his death. We demand compensation to the family,” said Ayush.