Auto Driver Jumps to Death During Interrogation, Kin Allege Assault in Custody; Delhi Police ASI Suspended

An assistant sub-inspector of Delhi Police was suspended and two constables sent to district lines after a 45-year-old auto-rickshaw driver died in police custody in south Delhi on Sunday morning, officials said.

The family members of Dharambir, a resident of Najafgarh, said the police assaulted him brutally in custody leading to his death.

According to the police, a case of car theft was reported on Thursday at Lodhi Colony police station. The vehicle was stolen from Lodhi Colony and investigation was marked to ASI Vijay.

During examination of the CCTV footage, it was found that the accused persons had come on an auto-rickshaw. The son of the deceased was found to be the registered owner of the auto-rickshaw. His father Dharambir had rented out the auto, a senior police officer said.

“Dharmabir was asked to join the investigation. Based on his disclosure, a man named Satish, who was driving the auto at the time of the incident and another person named Ghewar Ram Chowdhary, both residents of Fatehpur Beri, were arrested,” Deputy Commissioner of Police (south) Atul Kumar Thakur said.

The role of Dharambir was being probed. ASI Vijay was questioning him in a room on the first floor at Lodhi Colony police station, he said. Vijay went to the bathroom, leaving Dharambir in the room. When he returned, he did not find Dharambir there. He found that Dharambir was lying on the floor in the central courtyard of the police station, the officer said.

He was immediately rushed to AIIMS Hospital by the police personnel. During treatment at the Trauma Centre, Dharambir died, following which his family members were informed, police said.

“Further needful action is being taken. Information has been sent to Chief Metropolitan Magistrate for the needful action. Disciplinary action has been initiated and ASI Vijay has been suspended,” the officer police said, adding that two constables — Rajender and Sandeep — have been sent to district lines. Saurav Kumar (24), the son of deceased, told

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