Tribal youth dies in custody, father alleges

The death of a tribal youth, held for petty theft, in custody has brought the police under fire as the victim’s family allege he was tortured and killed. The state government ordered a magisterial probe yesterday and shifted the station house officer following a gherao by the villagers.

Rajkumar Druv, the 26-year-old, was suspected of stealing 25 litres of diesel, gutka pouches and biscuits at Bhalesur village. He died on Friday night at the police station, 90 km from Raipur.

Police say Druv ‘‘hanged’’ himself inside a toilet but villagers suspect foul play.

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The government ordered a probe after villagers gheraoed the police station but they aren’t satisfied.

‘‘The police is lying. My son was murdered,’’ says Jagtu Ram, Druv’s father.