PANAJI
The death of 34-year-old Debanand Sana, a migrant worker from West Bengal, at Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC), Bambolim on New Year's eve, has now sparked outrage in his hometown of Taki municipality in North 24 Parganas district.
His family and community members have accused the Vasco police of custodial negligence and demanded an impartial inquiry into their role and circumstances leading to his demise.
Sana, who reportedly worked as a mason in Vasco, was allegedly nabbed by locals in Bhute Bhat on December 25 on suspicion of burglary. He was beaten up, tied up to a pole as a viral video on social media depicts, before being handed over to the police.
Days later, he was admitted to the Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour at Bambolim, and subsequently shifted to GMC. On December 30, he succumbed while still technically under police custody.
The incident has triggered sharp reactions in West Bengal, where his family claims Sana was murdered.
“He was alive when taken by the police. How did he die in custody? We demand justice,” relatives said during a protest in Taki. Community leaders have joined the chorus, calling for accountability from Goa Police.
In Goa, where migrant workers often face suspicion and hostility, the episode has reignited concerns about mob justice and custodial safety.
“This case highlights the urgent need for safeguards against custodial abuse and mob vigilantism,” said a noted social activist working in Goa for decades with migrant communities.
Police officials, when contacted, said the case is only technically a custodial death. One officer who spoke on condition of anonymity told The Goan, that the victim was handed over to the police after being assaulted by locals.
He was provided medical care, the police officer added.
The West Bengal government has reportedly sought details from the Goa administration about the case.
