SHOCKING: Dalit youth dies in custody in Kanpur, 14 cops booked for murder, protests continue

Kanpur: In yet another case of alleged police high-handedness, a Dalit youth was found dead in a police station in Kanpur, triggering protest in the area.

As per the reports, the body of 25-year-old Kamal Valmiki, who was brought to the police station two days ago for questioning in connection with a case of theft in the area, was found hanging inside the Ahirwan police station.

The state government has suspended at least 14 policemen and lodged a murder case against them in connection with the youth's death.

His family was informed today that he has committed suicide. His family members, however, allege that he was tortured and killed under police custody.

While the post-mortem report is yet to come, the family has alleged that the police tried to hush up the death and initially sent the body for an autopsy under a false name.

The local police claimed it was a case of mistaken identity.

"The family has said that a constable had taken Valmiki for questioning and then this incident took place," said Shalabh Mathur, SSP Kanpur.

"On basis of their complaint, we have registered a case of murder and the entire police chowki has been suspended. If other police personnel are involved we will act against them too," he added.

Station Incharge & other police officials who were present at time of incident, suspended- Kanpur SSP Shalabh Mathur pic.twitter.com/HIlfXvHJT6 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) August 5, 2016

"Death in police custody is a very serious offence and we will spare no one in this case," State Police chief Javed Ahmed said.

Youth's death had triggered severe protest in the area. There was tension in the area as Kamal Valmiki's relatives and locals clashed with the police. The police had to use batons to control the mob.
 
The Dalit man's family and the locals in Kanpur held a protest in the evening. Protests in nearby locality have been reported today where locals pelted stones at policemen and vandalised several vehicles.

Locals pelted stones at police, vandalised vehicles after a man died in police custody in Kanpur (UP) pic.twitter.com/jZZVIbg1ZY — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) August 5, 2016

The action against the policemen comes as the ruling Akhilesh Yadav government is under fire from the Congress and the BJP for the law and order situation in the state - an issue that is expected to spell trouble for it in next year's assembly elections.