Family alleges youth assaulted in police custody, seek action in matter
Family members of late Moin Khan protesting outside Valpoi Police Station.
VALPOI
The suicide of a youth from Valpoi sparked off a protest at the Valpoi police station on Friday, after family members alleged that the youth had been assaulted while in police custody and sought action against the police in the matter.
According to locals, Moin Khan had been in a relationship with a woman. After her family came to know about it, they and the woman’s other boyfriend are alleged to have threatened and assaulted him.
When Khan approached the police station to lodge a complaint, his family claims that instead of registering the complaint, the police detained him on Sunday night.
It is also alleged that he was assaulted while in police custody, with family members claiming that visible injury marks were seen on his body.
After the police action, Khan was under extreme mental pressure. He reportedly faced humiliation even from acquaintances and remained confined to his home for several days. Eventually, on Wednesday night, he ended his life at his residence. The final rites took place on Thursday.
On Friday morning, his family and a crowd marched to the Valpoi Police Station and claimed that if the police had acted on his complaint in time, his death could have been avoided.
His family has alleged that the woman’s parents, her other boyfriend, and the police are responsible for his death.
Family members claimed that when they attempted to file a complaint after Khan’s death, they were allegedly treated rudely and sent back by police officials.
Alleging that the police ignored their concerns and failed to respond appropriately, they demanded the immediate suspension and transfer of the policemen involved.
They have also urged Health Minister and Valpoi MLA Vishwajit Rane to take cognisance of the matter. They warned that the agitation would continue until strict action is taken in the matter.
